FOCUS ON YOUTH AT THE 19TH WORLD PETROLEUM CONGRESS

May 13th 2008

Young professionals and students are key to the future of the oil and gas industry, with this in mind the World Petroleum Council has provided a strong Youth programme for the 19th WPC in Madrid this month. The Organising Committee of the biggest event for the oil and gas industry in 2008 has put together a wide range of engaging youth activities at the Congress including a Special Session on Youth, the Youth Centre Exhibition Stand, and a Youth Party.

The Special Session will be held on Thursday July 3rd, CEOs from the oil and gas industry will discuss with young professionals and students will discuss the issue “Does the Industry Need an Image Makeover?”. This session will enable the petroleum industry to discuss what measures the sector should take to attract more young people, offering them the opportunity to develop their professional careers as well as a stable, promising future. The session will also look at environmental issues, young people's decision making, moral obligations of the industry and new technologies. This is one of the most anticipated sessions of the Congress.

The 19th WPC Youth Centre Exhibition Stand will provide a platform in the centre of over 500 oil and gas exhibits where young people can meet with senior industry experts to discuss and exchange views on the most important issues facing the petroleum industry today. This dedicated area will provide a fantastic networking opportunity for young professionals and industry decision makers.

The Youth Party to be held on Wednesday the 2nd of July will provide an opportunity for the students and young professionals to have fun and continue networking.

The 19th WPC youth programme will provide a platform for young people from all over the world to demonstrate their skills while creating an opportunity for petroleum industry management to find and select the industry professionals of the future.