The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) held the Fifth High-Level Meeting of the OPEC-GECF Energy Dialogue on Thursday, 10 October 2024, via videoconference.
The Meeting was co-chaired by HE Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC Secretary General, and HE Eng. Mohamed Hamel, GECF Secretary General.

In his remarks, HE Al Ghais highlighted the vital role that oil and gas play in supporting prosperity and progress for all humans, noting that petroleum and petroleum-derived products are essential for almost every aspect of life. “Life without oil and gas is unimaginable,” he stated.

HE Al Ghais pointed out that the combined share of oil and gas in the energy mix will remain above 53% in 2050, underscoring the critical need for adequate and timely investment to ensure that supply meets demand. “For oil alone, total investment requirements to 2050 are estimated at $17.4 trillion, or around $640 billion per year on average,” he added.

HE Al Ghais, in his remarks, also underlined the importance and value of the ongoing dialogue and collaboration between OPEC and the GECF. “These energy realities remind us why the work of our two organizations is so essential and why cooperation between us is so important,” he stated.

HE Eng. Mohamed Hamel emphasized the strong partnership between GECF and OPEC, which has been demonstrated through a series of collaborative initiatives. Both organizations have made significant strides in data exchange and joint participation in global energy forums. This partnership is vital in navigating the evolving energy landscape and addressing the complexities of today’s energy markets.

HE Eng. Mohamed Hamel also highlighted the enduring role of natural gas and oil in the future global energy mix. "The GECF’s Global Gas Outlook projects that global primary energy demand will increase by 20%, with natural gas demand expected to rise by 34% by 2050," he stated. This underscores the continued importance of natural gas for sustainable development, energy access and sustainability.

He also underlined that “natural gas is more than just a fuel; it is an essential feedstock in the production of fertilisers and contributes to ensuring global food security.”

During the meeting, parties discussed issues related to sustainable development, energy poverty, clean cooking solutions, technology, investment, energy security, data transparency, and knowledge exchange. They discussed short to long term energy outlooks and the related uncertainties, challenges and opportunities, as well as the upcoming multilateral negotiations.

The Meeting highlighted the significance of cooperation at the technical and research level, and noted the positive outcome of the Sixth Technical Meeting of the OPEC-GECF Energy Dialogue held on 3 October 2024.

It was agreed to hold the Sixth High-level Meeting of the OPEC-GECF Energy Dialogue in 2025 in the GECF Headquarters in Doha, the State of Qatar.

About OPEC

In accordance with its Statute, the mission of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its Member Countries and ensure the stabilization of oil markets in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, a steady income to producers a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry.energy security.