23rdWorld Petroleum Congress leaves a legacy for Houston and beyond
The global conference ushered in 5,000 attendees from over 70 countries including Ministers of Energy and high-level executives
Discussions and activities focused on the sustainable future of the energy industry, and inspiration of the next generation of energy professionals
HOUSTON, TX (December 15, 2021) — From December 5-9, 2021 the energy capital of the world hosted the 23rd World Petroleum Congress for the first time since 1987. Facilitating collaborative discussions on topical issues, the Congress drove commitment to action and paved the path for the future of energy. Over the span of five days, the conference welcomed over 5,000 attendees representing more than 70 countries. The Technical and Strategic program together featured insights from over 300 expert speakers including over 50 CEOs, 16 ministerial delegations and 13 Ministers of Energy.
“It is a privilege to be here with such a distinguished group not just leading the energy industry, but leading the energy industry forward,” said City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner during the Opening Ceremony of the 23rd World Petroleum Congress. “The city of Houston takes pride in being viewed as energy capital of the world, and we seek to be a key voice in the discussion on energy transition.”
Throughout the week, delegates heard from global energy leaders including H.E. Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, Secretary General, OPEC; Amin H. Nasser, President and CEO, Saudi Aramco; Darren Woods, Chairman and CEO, ExxonMobil Corporation; Mike Wirth, Chairman and CEO, Chevron; Ryan Lance, Chairman and CEO, ConocoPhillips and government leaders David M. Turk, U.S. Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy; Jose W. Fernandez, U.S. Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment; H.E. Hardeep Singh Puri, Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas; H.E. Tarek El-Molla, Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Ministerial Resources; and more. Topics of discussion touched on the energy transition, innovations energy solutions, and collaborative partnerships.
On the exhibition floor, more than 75 national and international companies showcased their latest innovations and technologies. Intertwined throughout the floor were engaging activations with inspiring programming and educational activities for audiences. The Innovation Zone presented by ConocoPhillips welcomed 32 innovative companies introducing cutting-edge solutions to a group of judges as they competed for the Energy Innovator Award, ultimately awarded to Austin-based company, Topl. The Purposeful Journey, made up of six aspirational pillars inspired by the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) educated attendees on the many ways the industry is supporting a sustainable future, while the Global Sustainability booth presented by BCG highlighted an interactive exhibit on IPIECA’s answers the SDGs. The Young Professional stand, presented by HESS, featured curated programming geared towards young leaders.
Building on the Congress commitment to education, Future Leaders Day welcomed students from Houston Independent School District (HISD), other local schools, area colleges, and universities to learn about the global energy industry. While the WPC Energy4me Student STEM Day similarly welcomed high school students to an energy education day with hands-on activities, a technology tour, career presentations, and more. Extending this commitment beyond the event and helping create a legacy for the Congress, a total of eleven TV monitors will be donated to BakerRipley for distribution in Houston-area schools.
The Congress also celebrated organizations and individuals for their explementary work within the industry. Recognizing organizations operating to the highest standards of excellence, the WPC Excellence Awards were awarded to Sakhalin Energy and ExxonMobil in the Social Responsibility category and Kayrros and Halliburton Landmark on Technological Developments. The distinguished Dr. Daniel Yergin, Pulitzer-prize winner, leading energy expert and author of The New Map: Energy Climate, and the Clash of Nations, was presented the World Petroleum Council’s prestigious Dewhurst Award by former U.S. Secretary of State and former CEO of ExxonMobil, Rex Tillerson who received the honor in 2017.
Marking a successful end to the 23rd edition of the World Petroleum Congress the Closing Ceremony of the Congress saw the official handover to the Organizing Committee for the 24th World Petroleum Congress, which will take place in Calgary, Canada from September 17-21, 2023. Featured presenters included Houston Mayor the Hon. Sylvester Turner and Calgary Mayor the Hon. Jyoti Gondekan, along with World Petroleum Council President Tor Fjaeran and 23rd WPC Organizing Committee Chair Jeff Shellebarger.
About the World Petroleum Council
The World Petroleum Council was established in 1933 and provides a neutral platform for discussion of the issues facing the oil and gas industry and its stakeholders around the globe. It is a non- advocacy, non-political organization, dedicated to the application of scientific advances in the oil and gas industries, technology transfer and the sustainable use of the world’s petroleum resources for the benefit of all. The WPC is registered as a charity in the UK. Its nearly 70-member countries represent 96% of the world’s oil and gas production and consumption.