OPEC Secretary General discusses OPEC’s role in the energy transition in Vienna’s Diplomatic Academy

Vienna, Austria, 3 February 2022--OPEC Secretary General, HE Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, delivered a public lecture, hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, to discuss the role of the Organization in the energy transition.

The lecture was moderated by Ambassador Emil Brix, Director of the Vienna School of International Studies, and attended by delegates of various diplomatic missions, Austrian ministries and international organizations based in Vienna, as well as representatives of scientific institutions and the Academy’s students.

In his address, the Secretary General praised the role that the Academy has played since its founding in promoting diplomacy and multilateralism – core values shared by OPEC.

“The Diplomatic Academy of Vienna is one of the world’s foremost academic institutions that has trained generations of distinguished diplomats,” he stated.

 “The Academy has fostered strong relations with the community of international organizations in Vienna, including OPEC,” Barkindo stated, adding, “These bonds have been an important component in the regular liaison between OPEC and Austria’s Ministry of International and European Affairs.”

He highlighted the overlaps in the respective histories of both institutions

The Secretary General also commended the role of the Organization’s host country, Austria, in promoting international dialogue and multilateralism. OPEC is extremely grateful that the City of Vienna and Austria have been our hosts since 1965. 

The Secretary General’s remarks also addressed a range of topics including the efforts of OPEC Member Countries and non-OPEC oil producing countries under the ‘Declaration of Cooperation’, climate change, energy poverty, sustainable development and the importance of a predictable investment climate for addressing global energy needs.

“The Organization has a long history of supporting environmental issues and sustainable development, with the declaration of the Third Summit of Heads of State and Government of OPEC Member Countries in Saudi Arabia in 2007, recognizing not only the importance of stability of global energy markets, but the need to utilize energy for sustainable development, and energy and the environment, putting OPEC well ahead of its time,” Barkindo said.

The lecture was held in a hybrid format, and livestreamed via the Academy’s Facebook account.