Korean government and energy leaders meet as preparations gather pace

SEOUL & LONDON, 26 July 2013: Two hundred speakers from 56 countries have now been confirmed for the 22nd World Energy Congress, taking place this October in Daegu, South Korea.

Among the 200 confirmed speakers are Ministers of State, senior representatives of leading organisations such as the United Nations, World Bank, OPEC and the International Energy Agency, together with the CEOs of some of the world's largest energy organizations.

Christoph Frei, Secretary General of the World Energy Council, said:

"We are very excited to have reached another milestone in our preparations for our Congress in October. The calibre of our speakers is exceptional and we are expecting the discussions in Daegu to bring us closer to solutions to our energy future. Energy has never been higher on the world agenda, which will make the dialogue among energy leaders at this year's Congress particularly insightful, compelling, and influential."

Among the speakers who have confirmed their attendance:

Ministers and Government Officials

� Hussain Al-Shahristani, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy, Iraq

� Alexander Novak, Minister of Energy, Russia

� Federico Renjifo V�lez, Minister of Mines and Energy, Colombia

� Jero Wacik, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia

Oil and Gas

� Khalid Al-Falih, CEO, Saudi Aramco

� Tony Hayward, Executive Director & CEO, Genel Energy

� Alexander Medvedev, Deputy Chairman, Gazprom

� Peter Voser, CEO, Royal Dutch Shell

Utilities

� Naomi Hirose, President, TEPCO

� Henri Proglio, Chairman & CEO, EDF

� Johannes Teyssen, Chairman & CEO, E.ON SE

� Liu Zhenya, President & CEO, SGCC, China

Innovation and Technology

� Wang Binghua, Chairman, State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation, China

� Steve Bolze, President & CEO, Power and Water, General Electric

� Michael Suess, Member of the Managing Board & CEO of Energy Sector, Siemens

� Jean-Pascal Tricoire, President & CEO, Schneider Electric

Finance

� Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al Madani, President, Islamic Development Bank

� Hela Cheikhrouhou, Executive Director designate, Green Climate Fund

� Luciano Coutinho, President, BNDES, Brazil

� Takehiko Nakao, President, Asian Development Bank

International Government Organizations

� Yukiya Amano, Director General, IAEA

� Yasser Mufti, Chairman, OPEC

� Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director, IEA

� Kandeh Yumkella, Chief Executive, SE4ALL, UN

Civil Society and Experts

� Jim Leape, Director General, WWF International

� Michael Liebreich, CEO, Bloomberg New Energy Finance

� Pierce Riemer, ,Director General, World Petroleum Council

� Richard Taylor, Director General, International Hydroelectric Association

The announcement by the World Energy Congress 2013 Organizing Committee and the World Energy Council followed a special meeting convened Thursday by Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of senior executives from 20 of the country's leading public energy companies to discuss ongoing preparations for the world's most prestigious energy event.

The participants, including representatives of the Ministry, plus KEPCO, KOGAS, KNOC, KHNP, KCC, KORES and others, renewed their pledge of support for the Congress which returns to Asia, the world's most dynamic energy market, for just the second time in its 90-year history.

Following the meeting, Han Jin-hyun, Vice Minister of Trade and Energy, said:

"The Republic of Korea is honoured to be hosting such an important event as the World Energy Congress. It is the most significant gathering of international energy leaders this year and we fully endorse its objectives.

"Korea, and Asia more widely, are at the forefront of the world's evolving energy needs, and identifying the right blend of traditional resources and modern, progressive technologies has never been more urgent. We are confident that the Congress participants can work together during the event in Daegu to find the right energy mix to sustain the way we live and work for future generations."

Hwan-eik Cho, Chairman of the World Energy Congress 2013 Organizing Committee, commented:

"This latest demonstration of support for our Congress from the Government of Korea and our country's energy industry is most welcome. We are continuing to collaborate closely to ensure that the thousands of delegates gathering in the Solar City of Daegu this October will have a rewarding and memorable experience. The quality of speakers is also testament to the high regard with which this event is held throughout the world of energy."

Under the theme Securing Tomorrow's Energy Today, Congress participants will debate some of the most urgent energy challenges facing the world. The event aims to draw together agreements on how they will be addressed in an active, coordinated and sustainable way.

Held every three years, the Congress comes as Asia is taking an increasingly influential global role as an energy producer and consumer, while its trading and cultural ties with Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East continue to grow.

The World Energy Congress takes place between 13-17 October 2013 at the EXCO Exhibition & Convention Center in Daegu, South Korea.

About the World Energy Council (WEC)
Founded in 1923, the World Energy Council is the only truly global and inclusive forum for thought-leadership and tangible engagement committed to our sustainable energy future. Our network of 93 national committees represents over 3,000 member organizations including governments, industry and expert institutions. Our mission is to promote the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all. The World Energy Congress is the world's premier energy gathering.

Further details at www.worldenergy.org and @WECouncil