The Conference is the supreme authority of the Organization, and consists of delegations normally headed by the Ministers of Oil, Mines and Energy of Member Countries.

The Conference generally meets twice a year, in March and September, and in extraordinary sessions whenever required. It operates on the principle of unanimity and one Member, one vote. It is responsible for the formulation of the general policy of the Organization and the determination of the appropriate ways and means of its implementation.

The Conference also decides upon applications for membership of the Organization, and on reports and recommendations submitted by the Board of Governors on the affairs of the Organization. It approves the appointment of Governors from each Member Country and elects the Chairman of the Board.

Moreover, the Conference directs the Board to submit reports or make recommendations on any matter of interest to the Organization, and considers and decides upon the Organization’s budget, as submitted to it by the Board.