By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, has urged youths to build career in the oil and gas sector.
Barkindo said this on Wednesday when he hosted a special interactive session to engage with young students as part of the Organization’s participation at ADIPEC 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In his remarks, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of the event, given the vital role of the youth in the energy industry’s future.
“Since 2013, ADIPEC has successfully hosted this important and unique student-focused initiative, which is held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge,” Barkindo added.
In the statement released on OPEC’s site, the Secretary General emphasized: “It is great to see that this initiative continues to grow with each subsequent edition of ADIPEC as the UAE endeavours to engage and encourage students to consider careers in this industry, which offers a wide range of opportunities for talented young people.”
“In addition to the traditional occupations, such as petroleum engineers and technicians, this industry continues to have a dire need for highly skilled candidates in areas such as public relations, research and development, accounting, corporate strategy and planning, as well as finance, legal and human resources.”
In this context, the Secretary General highlighted that today’s youth will soon become tomorrow’s leaders, adding, “We must make sure we provide you with adequate tools, training and incentives that will empower you to step up to the challenges of the future.”
On the oil industry, Barkindo noted that the future of the industry remains bright despite the various challenges it has faced and continues to face, including the COVID-19 pandemic and securing adequate industry investment.
He noted that the younger generations have the right skills to take the industry into the future. “The tech-savvy youth of this generation are uniquely equipped to harness the latest technologies and innovations, and apply them to helping adapt and enhance this industry in the decades to come,” he added.
