Held in cooperation with the Iraqi government represented by key energy and economic ministries, and with the full support of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Iraq Energy Institute’s 6th flagship Iraq Energy Forum (IEF 2022) returns on 18-20 June 2022 at the American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) in Baghdad. This includes a full open day focused on education, women empowerment, and Iraq’s private sector role in supporting community and social responsibility.
Iraq’s premier energy event will once again bring together an exclusive lineup of policy and decision-makers, government officials, experts, analysts, and industry leaders from the investor community in Iraq, the Middle East, and beyond.
Global energy markets have experienced unprecedented dynamics since IEF 2019. From the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated supply chain disruptions to a subsequent slow and painful recovery shaped by micro and macroeconomic trends that still linger. Rising inflation and unheeding lockdowns at major trade centers continue to ripple affect the global economy.
Meanwhile, the World and by extension the Middle East are starting to experience accelerated transformations that are impacting how governments, energy firms, and businesses approach climate change, sustainability, and investment. Indeed, the energy transition has become at the center of policy and strategy in the region.
As the world grapples with the effects of conflict in Europe, attention now, more than ever, is refocused on energy security. An almost complete collapse of energy dialogue between suppliers and consumers is adding to the mounting challenges.
The theme of IEF 2022 will be “The Middle East as The Cornerstone of Global Energy Security.” With nations competing for every drop of oil and molecule of natural gas, the Middle East is a petroleum endowed region at crossroads; it must balance between continued investment in fossil fuels and its own sustainability and net-zero targets. For the first time, it also finds itself not at the center of global concern for security and geopolitical risks which may help spur opportunities as it seeks leadership in providing affordable and clean fuels like hydrogen and renewable electricity.
IEF 2022 will discuss this and other themes, including:
- The Middle East’s Moment: Realising the Gifts from the Energy Transition;
- Prospering At Economic Uncertainty: the Need for Regional Integration;
- Resources to Human Energy: Turning Iraq’s Natural Resources To Human Capital;
- Women & Youth Empowerment: Harvesting a Force Multiplier; and
- Private Sector & Community: The Overlooked Social Net.
Iraq Energy Institute will also award its prestigious 2022 Iraq Energy Award during the conference to H.E. Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, OPEC’s Secretary-General for his years of dedication to the organization, its member countries, and the energy industry as a whole. Also, he devoted support to Iraq and its people.
In 2019, the award was given to H.E. Dr. Fatih Birol, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency.
Confirming his attendance at the forum as its distinguished guest, the Secretary-General said “we are extremely excited to return to Baghdad and to take part in the 6th Iraq Energy Forum (IEF), which is taking place at a decisive moment in the history of the energy sector. IEF 2022 promises thought-provoking discussions on some of the most important issues of our times, from global energy security to the Middle East’s key role in the energy transition,”
He added “since I attended the first IEF in 2016, the Forum has grown into a premier regional event that attracts luminaries from Iraq’s energy industry, high-level policymakers, and some of the foremost thinkers on energy. As the birthplace of OPEC in 1960 and one of the world’s most important oil providers, Iraq, the cradle of civilization and the land of prophets, is especially well suited to host discussions on how to ensure a stable, secure, and sustainable energy future for all.”
We are also pleased to confirm the participation of H.E. Professor Dr. Ali Allawi, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister of Economic Affairs and Minister of Finance. The Deputy Prime Minister said “the Iraq Energy Forum has established itself as the premier energy event in Iraq drawing in participants from a wide spectrum of government agencies and industries. It is the appropriate platform for discussing the issues of Iraq’s future energy security.”
Professor Gareth Stansfield, Iraq Energy Institute’s Honorary President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the College of Social Sciences and International Studies at the University of Exeter said, “with the world facing extraordinary security, geopolitical and economic challenges, IEF2022 promises to bring back cooperation and dialogue on energy and development to the fore when most needed.” Adding “it is our pleasure at IEI to bring such efforts to Baghdad.”
We are expecting an extended line-up of officials from the ministries of oil, electricity, planning, and water resources to attend the forum this year. In addition to ambassadors, members of diplomatic missions representing the international community, non-government organizations, energy, and economic officials from countries in the region are also invited.
Building on five previous successful forums, IEF 2022 promises to be an exciting gathering yet again for those interested in formulating ideas on energy, geopolitical and economic developments in Iraq, the region, and the world.
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