ECSSR prepares for 15th Annual Energy Conference

In his speech Mr. Al Ali welcomed media representatives and presented a summary of the conference agenda, detailing the topics to be discussed. He went on to announce that the Center was honored to have the participation of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will deliver the opening speech.

Thereafter, Mr. Abdullah Hussein Al-Sahlawi, ECSSR Executive Director, delivered a press statement on behalf of H.E. Dr. Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi, ECSSR Director General, in which he confirmed that energy was the central pillar of the comprehensive development process being undertaken by the GCC countries, both in terms of its direct use and the proceeds resulting from its export.

Therefore it was no wonder, he said, that most of these countries are investing in the energy sector and in new technologies to reduce production costs. He explained that consequently there is a need to achieve the maximum level of energy security possible, for producers and consumers alike.

Mr. Al-Sahlawi added that the world is witnessing a variety of economic and security challenges, as well as geo-strategic changes which have highlighted the importance of energy security. It was with these facts in mind, he said, that the ECSSR has organized its 15th Energy Conference, taking place in Abu Dhabi on 16-18 November 2009, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and President of the ECSSR, entitled: 'Energy Security in the Gulf: Challenges and Prospects.'

Mr. Al-Sahlawi explained that this year's conference aims to explore the impact of international and regional economic developments on energy security in the Arabian Gulf region, and to seek appropriate strategies with which to address them.

He added that the importance of this conference stems from the fact that it comes at a time when many GCC states are attempting to provide the energy necessary to support their comprehensive development plans - including the establishment of peaceful nuclear programs - while also exerting efforts to secure current energy sources without being exposed to unnecessary risks.

The main objective of this year's conference is to identify the main challenges to energy security in the Arabian Gulf region, said Al-Sahlawi, as well as to explore possible solutions and the future prospects of the global energy market.

In order to achieve the objectives of the Conference, the proceedings will be divided into several themes, including: the international energy market and the global financial crisis; energy security in a globalized economy; the ability of an oil-based economy to survive and grow; energy relations between producers and consumers; the future of the relationship between OPEC and Russia; and the current status in the Gulf region with regard to oil and gas, and alternative energy sources.

The ECSSR Executive Director also launched a new logo for the Center's Annual Energy Conference, an event anticipated each year by all those concerned with energy issues both in the UAE and abroad. The new logo, revealed for the first time, incorporates four symbols reflecting conventional energy sources, oil and gas, and renewable energy sources, such as solar nuclear and wind power. For this reason, he said, the logo best represents the various issues covered by the Conference.

Mr. Al-Sahlawi said that the conference will be held over three days, and will be divided into seven sessions, presenting fifteen research papers prepared by a variety of officials, academics and experts in the field of energy from several countries, including: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, France, the United States, Britain, Canada, Norway and Russia.

Finally, Mr. Al-Sahlawi thanked the sponsors of the conference: the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (main partner); First Gulf Bank (strategic partner); Al Qudra Holding Company, Gulf News newspaper, and Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (platinum sponsors); the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (gold sponsor); Xerox, Emirates Post and Al Masood Travel & Services (bronze sponsors); and the National Media Council (media partner).