Two-day summit aims to unify efforts to accelerate transition to clean, sustainable energy
bbbbbbbbThe Kuwait Summit on Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) kicked off on Monday under the patronage of Oil Minister Tariq Al-Roumi, under the slogan “Promoting Clean Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Gulf Region.” The two-day summit aims to unify efforts across government agencies, industry, academia, the financial sector, and civil society to accelerate the transition to clean and sustainable energy in the GCC countries.
Speaking on behalf of Minister Al-Roumi, Abdullah Al-Ayyar, Deputy Managing Director for Sustainability at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), described the summit as “a clear message that decision-makers and leaders are ready to take bold steps towards a future that balances energy security with environmental protection.” He highlighted that sustainability is integral to KPC’s strategy, fully aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035, and emphasized the corporation’s ongoing commitment to operate in an environmentally responsible manner.
Al-Ayyar noted that KPC has completed internal ethics audits and initiated external audits at subsidiary levels to enhance compliance and integrity. He added that the company’s ESG reports now meet GRI standards, with reports for 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 forthcoming. Key priorities include long-term hydrogen projects, carbon capture solutions, and advancing social and governance initiatives, alongside integrating renewable energy and low-carbon technologies to lead a responsible energy transition. The corporation also reaffirmed its focus on reducing emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and curbing gas flaring both within and outside Kuwait, while implementing digital transformation to improve operational efficiency across the value chain.
Secretary General of the Arab Energy Organization (formerly OAPEC), Jamal Al-Loghani
Yousef Shamouh, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the Kuwait Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Summit
Abdullah Al-Ayyar, Deputy Managing Director for Sustainability at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation
Jamal Al-Loghani, Secretary General of the Arab Energy Organization, highlighted the continued importance of oil and gas, projecting that global energy demand will reach 378 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2050, with oil and gas comprising 54 percent of the energy mix. He emphasized that the transition to low-carbon energy must be fair, gradual, and sustainable, while investments in oil and gas remain critical to ensure price stability and advance technology in production and refining.
Al-Loghani underscored that clean fossil fuels, combined with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, are essential in the global effort to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, while meeting the energy needs of billions worldwide. He added that GCC countries’ commitments to carbon neutrality by 2050 demonstrate that environmental protection and energy security can be achieved simultaneously.
Yousef Shamouh, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee for the ESG Summit, stated that the event reflects Kuwait’s commitment to sustainable development and green transformation. He explained that the summit serves as an integrated platform for experts, stakeholders, and decision-makers to exchange knowledge, discuss challenges and opportunities, and strengthen ESG implementation in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the directives of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Shamouh highlighted that the summit will address climate action, carbon reduction, public-private partnerships, and regional cooperation, culminating in a session to discuss solutions and strategies for advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recommendations will be submitted to His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince, and the Cabinet.
Organized by ESG Solutions, the summit brings together leading experts and institutions from the public and private sectors, offering a strategic forum for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of practical solutions to environmental and climate challenges. The initiative underscores Kuwait’s commitment to building a diversified and sustainable economy while enhancing regional collaboration on clean energy and sustainability in the Gulf. — KUNA
