(MENAFNEditorial) More than 6,000 of the world's most prominent energy leaders gathered in Daegu, South Korea for the 22nd World Energy Congress, which concluded last week.
Held every three years, the world's most prestigious energy event attracted government ministers, industry leaders, NGOs, technology pioneers and energy experts from more than 113 countries. Aimed at stimulating debate and finding solutions to the world's energy challenges, this year's Congress has adopted the theme "Securing Tomorrow's Energy Today".
An extensive four-day conference programme had featured 272 expert speakers from 72 countries, supported by 44 sponsors and 46 media partners. Speakers included more than 50 government ministers and senior representatives from organisations including Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the United Nations and the International Energy Agency. Sessions covered a broad range of energy issues and topics facing the international community, from the impact of global shale gas, to the true potential of renewables and, most crucially, an examination of how policymakers, industry and key decision makers must work together to form a more sustainable platform for future energy development.
More than 450 representatives from the world's media covered the Congress, representing leading publications, news agencies, broadcasters, trade and specialist press. Headline speakers, sponsors and exhibitors held press conferences and media briefings during the Congress, including the World Energy Council, the International Energy Agency, the UNFCCC, Fluor and Siemens. Further information is available from the World Energy Congress Media Centre (see below)
The 44 corporate sponsors for the World Energy Congress are headlined by Korea Electric Power, SK Group, Rosneft, Daesung Group, GS Caltex, KNOC, KOGAS, POSCO and S-Oil. Other major sponsors include EDF, Siemens, Dongfang Electric, Shanghai Electric, and Hyundai Oilbank.
The exhibition site of the World Energy Congress was completely booked. Nearly 100 companies were represented in the 22,000 sq-metres exhibition floor area, with 25,000 visitors. Major exhibition highlights included a Russia Day event and the China and UAE pavilions.
Other major exhibitors included LG, Qatar Petroleum and Sonatrach. Such was the demand for exhibition space that the World Energy Congress Organizing Committee expanded the exhibition space three times to meet strong demand.
Hwan-eik Cho, Chairman of the WEC Daegu 2013 Organizing Committee, said:
"I am greatly delighted by such an impressive array of global organisations gathering at Daegu. Congress presented a unique opportunity to reach the world energy community. It is where ideas were exchanged and business deals done. The quality of representation demonstrated the value that energy leaders place on that access. I am confident that with such enthusiastic participation we will make great progress towards tackling the many energy challenges that the world faces today.""
Christoph Frei, Secretary General of the World Energy Council, added:
"The commitment of such renowned companies and institutions to our Congress underlines the importance of the agenda we debated. The role that energy plays in global economic development has never been higher on the agenda of global leaders. The factors that shape our energy future have never been more complex. And the urgency of the energy challenge has never been greater. I have great hopes that the 2013 Congress will help to secure tomorrow's energy today."
Mr Khalid A. Al-Falih, President & CEO, Saudi Aramco, commented:
"Since the last WEC in Montreal, the energy industry has witnessed momentous changes, and today it is healthier, more dynamic and more confident than ever. Thanks to innovation and technological breakthroughs, we are in an era of abundance for oil and gas. Despite that, a historic challenge looms ahead for all of us to provide access to adequate supplies of energy, particularly for billions of people around the world trapped in energy poverty. WEC Daegu 2013 provided the opportunity for all stakeholders to convene under one roof to collaborate and to address the future challenges that are ahead of us."
Mr Al-Falih is a keynote speaker on the first day of the World Energy Congress.
Daegu marks only the second time that the Congress has been hosted by an East Asian city. Tokyo was the venue in 1995. The last Congress was held in Montreal in 2010.
The World Energy Congress took place from 13-17 October 2013 at the EXCO Exhibition & Convention Center in Daegu, South Korea.
Further information can be obtained at www.daegu2013.kr
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.