Doha
15 Feb. 2017

Prominent government officials, industry professionals, policy makers and academics gathered at The Energy and Economic Diversification Policies Roundtable, organized by Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) and Rice University’s Baker Institute in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and Industry and Qatar University.

The roundtable commenced today for two days at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha, leverages expertise and knowledge to initiate actionable recommendations for regional energy, economic and environmental challenges.

“As we look to the future, it is clear that the challenges we face are multidimensional and intertwined,” Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar said in his keynote speech 'On the role of energy for economic development in the GCC region'.

“The Energy and Economic Diversification Policies Roundtable is a valuable opportunity – by bringing together such a diverse group to discuss these topics, we can make real progress as we prepare to meet these challenges, Qatar's Energy Minister told.”

Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani, Managing Director and Member of the Board of Directors of QLC said in his speech that “QLC advances solutions to contemporary challenges faced by Qatar and the region through collaboration and important events like the roundtable. The Centre believes in the power of engagement with influential thinkers to foster debate and positive change,”

Edward P. Djerejian, Director, Rice University’s Baker Institute said “Some of the world’s foremost energy experts and decision makers have gathered in Doha to make this roundtable a success.” Djerejian said that We are proud to partner with an innovative centre like QLC, which is dedicated to harnessing Qatar’s human capital while contributing to the sustainable growth of the region.”

Conversations at the event focused on how effective policies can guide the transition to a knowledge-based society. Attendees examined case studies of energy subsidy reform in one session, and discussed regional economic diversification efforts in another.

On the second day of Roundtable, the academics, industry professionals and government leaders will address macro subjects in sessions on climate change and the energy-food-water nexus. In the former session, the long-term demand for fossil fuels will be explored. The complex and delicate link between three of the world’s most important resources will be surveyed in the latter session.

Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, former Minister of Energy and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister of State of Qatar will be delivering his speech during closing remarks on February 16th.