The OPEC Secretary General, Mr. Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, has said that the conversation on energy transition must be “global and inclusive that leaves no-one behind” and that it should be driven by “science not emotions.”
Speaking on ‘Modernizing the global energy dialogue for industry transformation’, at the Egypt Petroleum Show (EGYPS) 2022, on Monday, Barkindo noted the issue’s possible long-term impact on energy security, stressing, “This is important to all humanity. The science is clear.”
On the vital role that Egypt, the host of COP27, can play in addressing this challenge. Barkindo said: “It is a tall order on Egypt, but they are capable.”
According to him, all hands should on the wheel to avoid any future risks and that everyone has a role to play.
At the Young Professional’s Programme, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of the event, given the vital role of the youth in the energy industry’s future.
“Since its start in 2017, EGYPS has become one of the Mediterranean region’s premier energy events, and I would like to commend the organizers for involving hundreds of students from many of Egypt’s leading high schools and universities,” he stated.
Addressing the students, Barkindo said: “You are the future! We must make sure you have the training, resources and incentives to become this industry’s next generation of leaders.”
Barkindo also outlined in his remarks a number of issues that are facing the global energy industry.
“The power to address such challenges lies partly in the hands of young people like you. The tech-savvy youth of this generation are uniquely qualified to harness the latest technologies and innovations, and apply them to helping adapt and enhance this industry in the decades to come,” he emphasized.
“Our industry offers dynamic opportunities to young people with diverse skill sets and educations in the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is an industry that gives bright young people the chance to make a meaningful and sustainable contribution to their community and the world at large,” the statement by OPEC Secretariat quoted Barkindo as saying.
The statement said that Barkindo was presented with a special award in recognition and honouring of his achievements as Secretary General of the OPEC.
It added that Barkindo received the award in a high-level gala dinner hosted by Egypt Petroleum Show (EGYPS) 2022, which is being held in Cairo between 14 and 16 February 2022.
In his acceptance speech, the Secretary General praised the exemplary leadership and vision of HE Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and HE Tarek El-Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and congratulated them for successfully hosting the fifth edition of the event.
“It has been the honour of a lifetime for me to serve as OPEC Secretary General. I count myself lucky to have been a witness to many historic moments and events in the last six years. The experience has confirmed for me, more than ever before, that nothing can be accomplished without teamwork,” Barkindo said.
“OPEC has helped the oil industry navigate some choppy waters over the last six years and taken action that ensured the survival of this industry. This has truly been a collective endeavour; the combined work of our Member Countries, their ministers and ministries of oil or energy, their capable staff and teams,” Barkindo stated.
Barkindo will complete his second successful term as OPEC Secretary General in August 2022.
GIK/APA