“… given our peculiar situation in terms of socio-economic development, and the fact that the problems of climate change were caused, not by us but by the economically advanced countries of the world, using fossil fuels, calling us to join the same speedy train to net-zero is unfair and punitive”.
This reminder is from the Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), Dr. Omar FaroukIbrahim during the Press Conference he hosted on September 18, 2023, in Calgary, Canada at the opening of the 24th WorldPetroleum Congress which opened in the presence of several actors from the world of oil and gas industry.
Prior to the official opening of the World Petroleum Congress, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, and his delegation were the guests of honor at the University of Calgary; on 16th September. Dr. Farouk and his delegation met with Alberta Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Rajan Sawhney and President and Vice Chancellor of the, Professor Edward McCauley and some members of the faculties. The discussions focused on the university’s energy program, which ranks first in North America and among the best in the World, and on possible collaboration between the university and APPO and its Member countries.
The delegation was then given a guided tour of several high-tech laboratories carrying out research in the field of hydrocarbons and other forms of energy as well as on greenhouse gas reduction technologies and mainly the storage and monetization of CO2.
The presence of the APPO delegation is an indicator of its growing role in advocacy, engagement with global energy organizations, and industry promotion for sustainable development and energy security in Africa.
APPO’s participation in the WPC is part of APPO’s mandate to foster fruitful collaboration and partnerships while promoting energy security, sustainable development and economic diversification in Africa. `The Secretary General’s agenda includes several meetings with global industry players including the President of the WPC and participation in the meetings with African countries present in Calgary to promote APPO.
