Abu Dhabi hosts international gas union talks

This week, senior international gas industry executives will gather in the United Arab Emirates for a series of high level meetings that will help set the agenda for this year’s World Gas Conference (WGCPARIS2015), which will take place in Paris from 1 - 5 June.

Among the themes to be discussed will be security and accessibility of energy supply and the increasing need for cleaner and more sustainable fuel sources. Led by International Gas Union (IGU) President Jérôme Ferrier and WGCPARIS2015 National Organising Committee Chairman Daniel Paccoud, the talks will take place at the Beach Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi over three days and will conclude with a technical tour of an ADNOC distribution facility.

As one of the leading voices in the gas sector, the IGU's membership represents more than 95% of the global gas market, many of whom will be present in Abu Dhabi. The meetings will focus on developing key sessions of WGCPARIS2015, which this year has the theme ‘Growing Together Towards a Friendly Planet’. The discussions will also help shape further negotiations at the UN COP21 summit in December, where nations will aim to reach a binding agreement on climate change.

The Middle East is set to play a central role in WGCPARIS2015, with speakers including:

• Khalid Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer, Qatargas
• HE S.M. Hossein Adeli, Secretary General, GECF
• Nitin Shukla, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hazira LNG Private Ltd

In addition, Abdulaziz M. Al-Mannai from Qatargas, will take part in crucial debates during WGC sessions on Human Capital Strategy for the Future and Battle for Talent. These sessions form the Human Capital stream of the Conference and reflect energy companies' increasing focus on fostering young talent and investing in skills development.

"With its innovative approach to exploration and production, world-class standards in engineering and growing trade links within the LNG sector in particular, the Gulf region is of critical importance to the IGU, and we are honoured to be here in Abu Dhabi to share our knowledge and experience," said Jérôme Ferrier, President of the IGU. "The international nature of World Gas Conference calls for cooperation on a truly global scale. This visit reflects our strong links with the oil & gas market in the UAE and we hope to continue this dialogue on the world energy stage in Paris."

"With its long history of leadership and ongoing commitment to meeting the long-term energy needs around the world, the Middle East has positioned itself as comprehensive oil and gas hub,” added Daniel Paccoud, Chairman of the World Gas Conference 2015 Organising Committee. “Indeed, the region's status as one of the largest suppliers of LNG will be one of the key topics discussed at WGCPARIS2015, providing delegates with the opportunity to hear first hand from the leading experts in this sector."

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

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