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Russian senior ranks came to Saint-Petersburg to participate in the opening of The Future Leaders Forum

Матвиенко и Литвиненко
© Форпост Северо-Запад / Александр Игнатович

More than 1300 young oil-industry workers from sixty-two countries came to St. Petersburg to participate in the Youth Forum of the World Petroleum Council. During this week, young specialists exchange experiences with each other and meet the industry leaders.

The opening ceremony of the VI Future Leaders Forum of the World Petroleum Council took place on Monday, June 24, at the Mining University. The ceremony was attended by leaders of global energy companies, top politicians, scientists and industry experts. What they have told to the young participants is that oil, gas and coal will still prevail in global energy consumption, even in the middle of this century.

Литвиненко
© Форпост Северо-Запад / Александр Игнатович

According to Vladimir Litvinenko, the Principal of the Mining University, "Our main purpose is to motivate young people. A student or a graduate without motivation is like a bird without wings. Motivation and focus on success are essential parts, which allow young scientists make scientific and technological breakthroughs, solve strategic tasks, whether on a company level, industry-wise or on a country-wide scale, and grow professionally. Those who are present here today – you are the young experts who will soon define the directions of the global economy, explore and locate new deposits, increase the oil recovery rates, exploit deposits in the Arctic shelf areas. I believe that your potential will not be lost but will serve as the basis for your future career".

Having concluded with these words, Vladimir Litvinenko opened the floor for Valentina Matviyenko. The Chairwoman of the Federation Council in particular pointed out that choosing Russia as a hosting venue for the Forum was not a decision made by mistake. The experience regarding implementation of various oil and gas projects in Russia is enormous. It has been accumulated throughout the years and provides a unique experience for the Forum’s participants to learn from it.

МФК
© Форпост Северо-Запад / Александр Игнатович

According to Matviyenko, "It is nearly impossible to overestimate the role of the oil and gas industry, as this industry is still the primary driver of the Russian economy. Despite the development of renewable energy, hydrocarbon resources will be highly demanded, at least in the foreseeable future. For you, young specialists, it means that there is a lot of work ahead of you. With each year, environmental sustainability is becoming even more important. That brings into the focus such issues, as minimization of technogenic pollutions, restoration of mined lands and others".

Matviyenko also paid specific attention to the Nord Stream 2 project, declaring that the only purpose of its realization is to ensure the reliability of gas supplies to Europe.

As she noted,"Russia has never used hydrocarbons trade as an instrument of political pressure. Our country is open to mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy field, and this Forum can serve as a proof of this statement".

МФК
© Форпост Северо-Запад / Александр Игнатович

Valentina Matviyenko also confirmed that the Mining University is perhaps the most righteous choice for hosting the Forum as the University is "one of the most prestigious and oldest higher educational institutions, not only in Russia but also globally" – the place where future industry experts study.

Tor Fjaeran, the President of the WPC, expressed a similar opinion and said that the Mining University is "a unique venue in the fantastic city". Alexander Novak, Minister of Energy of Russia, also agreed on that and thanked the Principal of the University Vladimir Litvinenko for hosting the event "at the historical site of the University".

Новак
© Форпост Северо-Запад / Павел Долганов

In the Novak’s words,"The Future Leaders Forum is held in Russia for the first time, but it may be considered as the most ambitious gathering out of the previous meetings. This is such a great opportunity for young people to discuss both global and marker trends. Talking about oil as a part of the global energy mix, its share in percentage terms will decrease. However, in quantitative terms the consumption will increase – mostly, due to development of petrochemical industry".

The Minister urged young people to seek constructive cooperation with partners from all over the world. By partnering with colleagues comes mutual understanding. It helps reducing uncertainty as well. As one of the most successful examples of partnership relations in the oil industry, Novak mentioned the OPEC+ deal, which allowed for stabilizing the markets and put an end to excessive market volatility.

МФК
© Форпост Северо-Запад / Александр Игнатович