ABU DHABI, UAE, 18 June 2019: The Italian energy sector said it is looking forward to playing a key role in European participation at the 24^th World Energy Congress, scheduled to take place from September 9 to 12 in Abu Dhabi, following a June 11 visit to the European country by the leadership of the Congress Organising Committee.

H.E. Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, Chairman of the 24^th World Energy Congress Organising Committee, on June 11 met senior Italian energy stakeholders in Rome to brief them on progress so far towards September’s Congress, including the Congress programme, side events and many other initiatives taking place across the four days.

The meeting included discussions and perspectives towards energy transition in Europe and the Gulf Region. The meeting was organised by the Italian National Member Committee in the World Energy Council (WEC Italy) and hosted by Eni.

Italian energy leaders will be involved across the programme of the Congress, including Claudio Descalzi, CEO, Eni. Among other Italian speakers, Alessandro Costa, Head of Sustainability at Falck Renewables, will moderate a session looking at the social licence to operate within communities.

During the Congress, WEC Italy will also organise a side event looking at ‘Pathways to regional energy transition in the Mediterranean’, which will include invited participants Francesco La Camera, Director-General, IRENA and Dr Houda Ben Jannet Allal, General Director, Observatoire Méditerranéen de l’Energie (OME). The aim of the seminar will be to highlight the paths that need to be embarked upon by countries in the region in order to achieve structured regional cooperation on a sustainable Mediterranean energy framework.

Speaking after the June 11 meeting, Marco Magheri, Chairman, WEC Italy, said: “International gatherings, such as the World Energy Congress, can play a key role in the undergoing energy transition process, favouring the exchange of strategies, efforts and experiences. In the Mediterranean area, in particular, it is necessary to promote cooperation in order to lead the region into a sustainable future, starting from the improvement of the Euro-Mediterranean energy dialogue with the aim of sharing best practices, and encourage the deployment of energy infrastructures.”

H.E. Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, Undersecretary, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Industry and Chairman, Organising Committee for the 24th World Energy Congress, said: “Italy, as a hub between Europe and North Africa, will play a strategic role over the coming decades in meeting growing energy demand around the Mediterranean region. The Congress will be unique in convening energy leaders from all regions, something I am glad that the Italian energy sector has recognized, as it prepares for a strong presence in Abu Dhabi in September.”