Senior participants from 35 countries from the Asia-Pacific region, including heads of governments and ministers, met in Vladivostok, Russia, from 27 to 30 May.

LONDON / SEOUL, 31 May 2013 - The Organizing Committee of the 22nd World Energy Congress on Friday welcomed the endorsement of the world's premier energy event by Asian government ministers at a United Nations-sponsored energy conference.

In a communique issued Thursday, ministers at the Asian and Pacific Energy Forum (APEF) welcomed the offer of the Korean government to host the Congress, explaining it "will provide a platform for all stakeholders in the energy sector to meet and exchange views on regional and global energy issues."

APEF is the first Asia-Pacific region-wide inter-governmental ministerial meeting on energy convened by the United National Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

Senior participants from 35 countries from the Asia-Pacific region, including heads of governments and ministers, met in Vladivostok, Russia, from 27 to 30 May.

Lee Jong-ho, Secretary-General of the Congress Organizing Committee, commented:

"The World Energy Congress in Korea will be the biggest meeting of energy leaders in the world this year and we are delighted that Asian ministers gathering at the first APEF have recognized its importance to the global energy sector and the role of the Korean government as host."

UNESCAP also will help sponsor a Northeast Asia Energy Security Forum, involving Korea, China, Japan and Russia, during the Congress along with the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. UNESCAP will host a separate seminar on the green economy under the theme of "The role of fossil fuels in the green economy," along with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

"The commitment to the Congress being shown by governments and international organizations such as United Nations underscores the significance of this global event being staged in the heart of Asia at a time of crucial transitions in the energy sector," said Mr Lee.

Dr Christoph Frei, Secretary General of the World Energy Council, added:

"I am delighted that the Asian Ministerial meeting has endorsed the World Energy Congress. This adds to the growing list of ministerial and intergovernmental groups who are using the World Energy Council's unique platform to help address the fundamental challenges of what we call the Energy Trilemma."

The World Energy Congress will take place on 13–17 October in Daegu. More than 200 prominent speakers, including energy ministers, industry CEOs and top experts and researchers, will answer the most pressing questions facing the global energy industry today.

Under the theme of ‘Securing Tomorrow's Energy Today', topics range from the future prospects of the oil & gas, coal, nuclear, and renewables sectors to the tough policy decisions needed to balance the often conflicting priorities of energy security, universal access to affordable energy, and environmental protection. Delegates will also be given insights into how finance and innovation are shaping the global energy future.