UN secretary-general urges states to intensify efforts in sustainable energy

The third day of the 23rd World Energy Congress (WEC) began with opening remarks by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on Wednesday, as he urged world leaders to intensify sustainable energy research efforts for the sake of future generations in a videoconference during the congress in Istanbul.

Ban Ki-Moon expressed his appreciation to WEC for helping shape the sustainability narrative through the "energy trilemma" concept.

World Petroleum Congress (WPC) Turkish National Committee Chairman Besim Şişman announced Wednesday in a press conference that the 22nd WPC will take place in Istanbul July 9-13 next year, adding that the registration process for the congress has already begun. While the WEC is defined as the "Olympics" of the energy sector, the WPC is widely recognized as the endurance test for the oil and gas industry. The upcoming WPC is expected to attract over 6,000 delegates, 500 CEOs, 50 ministers and around 25,000 visitors to the World Petroleum Exhibition, making it one of the largest strategic oil and gas expos in the world.

The "energy trilemma" goal set by WEC during the Istanbul congress defines energy sustainability on three core dimensions: energy security, energy equality and environmental sustainability. In that perspective, world leaders have adapted the 23rd agenda for sustainable development along with the Paris Agreement on climate change. The U.N. secretary-general underlined that "[The U.N.'s] transformative approach to energy is critical to success," adding: "Achieving our energy goals, including universal access, energy efficiency and renewable energy, will open a new world of opportunity and investment. The World Energy Congress is one of the preeminent platforms for action." Ban Ki-Moon finished by urging, "To intensify efforts towards a sustainable energy future for the greatest benefits of all."

The WEC event continued with a press conference by WPC Turkish National Committee Chairman and Turkish Petroleum General Director Şişman, who announced that registration for the 22nd WPC has begun, underlined that the upcoming congress will also host a number of state leaders, ministers and CEOs along with number of energy experts worldwide. Pointing out that Turkey is one of the greatest countries experiencing rapid energy growth according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Şişman said: "Turkey not only aims to use its domestic resources to meet its energy demand in the most suitable way but also to enhance its role to become the leading energy corridor and terminal in upcoming projects due its geopolitical advantage." Underlining that Turkey applies a win-win strategy in its energy policies, Şişman stated that the upcoming WPC in İstanbul will be have the theme "Bridges to our Energy Future."