By Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo from Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, April 23, 2024 (BSS) - The World Energy Council (WEC) has announced Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as the official host of its 27th edition to be held 26-29 October, 2026.

The WEC declared the name of next host country at its 26th edition in Rotterdam here on Monday as more than 7,000 international energy stakeholders gathered to attend the world's most prestigious, inclusive and influential energy event.

The congress brought together 18,000 attendees, including 7,000 delegates, 70 ministers, C-suite executives, NGOs, experts and academia, entrepreneurs and young energy leaders to reflect on the role of connected energy societies in driving forward global energy transitions.

Co-hosted by the WEC and the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the congress is taking place from 22-25 April, as this edition celebrates 100 years since the Council's formation.

Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General of World Energy Council, said that the World Energy Congress is the most significant convention of visionary and practical leadership in energy, gathering the diverse needs and interests of energy ecosystems from all corners of the world.

She added that joined by new platinum sponsors, Aramco and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy, the congress is confident it will be an important moment in resetting strategic conversations on energy transitions and redesigning energy for the benefit of people and the planet.

Wilkinson also said both Aramco and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy will bring important perspectives to the dynamic conversations and collaborative charge forward from one of the world's most important energy regions currently engaged in its own transformational energy journey.

For his part, Aramco Chief Executive Amin Nasser said there is no doubt that the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is a critical priority for the world.

"But along with reducing emissions, equally important are energy security, energy affordability and economic development. Aramco is very much committed to supporting all of these goals," he added.

The World Energy Congress has helped drive energy transitions forward for more than a century by bringing together stakeholders representing energy interests from all corners of the world.

"Saudi Arabia is pleased to have been awarded the opportunity to host the 2026 World Energy Congress at this important moment in global energy," said Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy and Chairman of the Saudi Arabia member committee.

Wilkinson also stated that it is neither easy nor enough to translate net zero roadmaps into reality against a backdrop of new energy insecurity concerns and the increasing damages that climate change is inflicting on the earth's natural life support system.

She added that it is important to develop a shared and deeper understanding of the role of increasingly diverse energy systems in enabling a safe operating space for humanity. It is urgent to involve more people and communities and identify leading practices in inclusive implementation.

According to the World Energy Council's Secretary General, "The best way forward is to support diverse regions in leading with and learning from each other and appreciate the diversity of place-based, clean and just energy transitions."