The Egyptian Gas Association had the privilege of hosting the International Gas Union (IGU) Council meeting in Cairo from October 14 to 17, 2024. This significant event brought together IGU members and key stakeholders from across the globe, offering a vibrant platform for networking, collaboration, and strategic discussions on the future of the gas industry. Attendees from Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania—representing countries such as China, Canada, Qatar, Slovakia, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, the USA, and the UK—highlighted the truly global reach and influence of the IGU.

Fruitful Council Meetings

During the IGU 2024 Council meeting, key committees for IGRC 2027 and WGC 2025 set strategic agendas, while regional coordinators shared insights to address local challenges. The Executive Committee reviewed governance and engagement strategies, and coordination meetings focused on building ties with embassies and stakeholders to promote IGU’s initiatives.

These meetings emphasized a shared commitment to surpassing goals, enhancing cooperation, and advancing sustainable practices. Through aligning objectives and deepening engagement, IGU seeks to expand its global influence and effectively tackle industry challenges across regions.

Egypt’s Collaborations with IGU Members

The Egyptian Gas Association actively engaged with IGU members to strengthen relationships and address shared industry challenges. These discussions, focused on collaboration and innovation, led to two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The first, with the Korea Gas Union, aims to enhance information exchange, networking, and support in global gas events. The second MoU, with Oman LNG Development Foundation, promotes joint event organization, CSR programs, and sustainability initiatives to share best practices and drive industry standards.

An Evening of Warm Welcome Reception

On October 5, the Nile Ritz Carlton hosted a welcome reception for IGU members, marking the start of a significant gathering in Cairo. The evening witnessed insightful remarks from H.E. Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, who highlighted the event’s crucial role in strengthening global partnerships within the gas industry. Mrs. Li Yalan, President of the IGU, followed with expressions of gratitude for the Egyptian Gas Association’s hospitality, emphasizing the importance of the council meeting, especially with the upcoming presidential elections for the 2028-2031 term.

Eng. Khaled Abubakr, Chairman of the Egyptian Gas Association, delivered impactful opening remarks, underscoring Egypt’s pivotal role in advancing the gas industry and enhancing regional energy security. Mrs. Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia, and Mrs. Heba Ayad, CEO of Gas Gas Holding, both sponsors of the event, reinforced their dedication to advancing energy sector development. The reception also featured captivating entertainment, including a traditional tanoura dance and violin performance, making it an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Council Meeting – Presidential Elections

On October 16, the Council Meeting hosted a key election day between Egypt and Colombia, where both countries presented their proposals for the program. The event drew a large number of IGU members who attended to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice, marking an important milestone in the council’s selection process.

Egypt has won the elections for the presidency of the IGU with the results being announced right after the voting process was completed against its competitor Colombia. With these results, Egyptian Gas Association Chairman Khaled Abubakr shall become President of the IGU from 2028 to 2031. When the 2025 World Gas Conference in Beijing is concluded next May, he will become the Vice President of the IGU.

Gala Dinner: A Night of Celebration

Following an exclusive tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Egyptian Gas Association hosted a distinguished gala dinner, welcoming esteemed guests and participants to the magnificent venue. The event began with captivating entertainment, featuring a Pharaonic-themed dance performance with glowing spheres.

The night commenced with a warm introduction, celebrating the collective commitment to the gas industry and the collaborations driving progress. Mrs. Li Yalan, IGU President, opened the event with an inspiring speech. She praised Egypt’s significant role in the regional and global energy landscape and congratulated the Egyptian Gas Association on hosting successful Council Meetings. Mrs. Yalan also commended Egypt on winning the IGU presidency for the 2028-2031 term and on hosting the WGC 2031 in Cairo to celebrate 100 years of IGU’s achievements.

H.E. Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, underscored the significance of collaboration and Egypt’s role as a strategic gateway to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Eng. Mohamed Fouad, Secretary General of the Egyptian Gas Association, followed with heartfelt remarks, acknowledging key leaders, sponsors, and members while emphasizing the essential role of natural gas in fostering a sustainable future. He highlighted the importance of a shared vision for security, sustainability, and resilience within the industry. Eng. Karim Shaaban of Rosetta Energy shared his company’s mission to transform the energy sector in developing nations.

Eng. Khaled Abubakr, Chairman of the Egyptian Gas Association, honored the IGU for its efforts in promoting sustainability, and the IGU recognized both H.E. Badawi and Eng. Abubakr for their leadership in the sector. As guests enjoyed their dinner, the evening continued with a stellar performance by Egyptian singer Nesma Mahgoub, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

 Productive Workshops and Panel Discussions

On the last day of the council, Dr. Salma Elbakry, Chairperson of Balanced Education, delivered a presentation on the vital role of education and youth empowerment in the energy sector. She introduced the Abubakr School of Applied Technology for Gas and Renewable Energy, Egypt’s first institution dedicated to training professionals in natural gas, renewable energy, and solar energy technologies, reinforcing Egypt’s commitment to sustainable development in the energy sector.

The first panel discussion, titled “Gas Dynamics in the Evolving Energy Transition Landscape,” was a joint session between the IGU and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF). The panel explored the strategic implications of natural gas within the global energy transition. Key speakers included H.E. Karim Badawi, Egyptian Minister of Petroleum, who discussed Egypt’s vital role in the energy sector and its longstanding commitment to natural gas. H.E. Osama Mobarez, EMGF Secretary General, emphasized the region’s vast potential for gas resources, noting the importance of collaboration to monetize existing discoveries. The panel also included insights from H.E. Nikolas Papageorgiou, Greek Ambassador for Egypt and Eng. Karim El Dessouky, Vice President of Bechtel and EMGF GIAC Vice Chairman on the regional cooperation needed to drive progress in the energy sector.

The second panel of the day, “Hydrogen Economy – Egypt and the Global Clean Energy Shift,” discussed the global hydrogen transition, examining ways for countries to contribute and benefit. Moderated by Karim Shaaban, Founder and Managing Director of Rosetta Energy, the panel included insights from Ahmed Saad, CEO of SCZone; Mark Davis of EBRD; Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia; and Mahmoud Shata, Business Development Director at SCATEC. Davis emphasized hydrogen’s role in achieving net-zero emissions in industries like steel, green ammonia, and shipping, and noted EBRD’s efforts to position Egypt as a global hydrogen hub by 2050, leveraging SCZone’s strategic location. Kafafi highlighted Egypt’s unique renewable resources and proximity to Europe, urging rapid project development to enhance competitiveness. Shata underscored Egypt’s advantage with existing ammonia production facilities, crucial for hydrogen-based products. Challenges remain, such as high production costs and the lack of established hydrogen pricing, though Davis stressed that long-term off-take contracts could attract investment and reduce financing costs.