The WPC Energy Youth Forums are unique international platforms for professional communication among students, graduates and young professionals in the oil and gas industry. These forums bring together talented representatives from all over the world to provide opportunities for training, presenting innovative projects, and career development.
The key objectives of the WPC Energy Youth Forums include:- Develop young people capacity in the fuel and energy sector;
- Exchange knowledge and advanced technologies;
- Stimulate scientific research and innovation;
- Strengthen international cooperation.
Throughout the forums, participants can develop both their professional knowledge and personal skills.
The business program includes:- panel discussions with top executives from oil and gas companies;
- round tables on relevant topics such as energy transition, digitalization, and ecology;
- youth projects presentations - participants have opportunity to present results of their research in the field of exploration, production, and processing of hydrocarbons.
Educational initiatives:- Master classes and workshops led by leading industry experts.
- Case competitions - solving real-world problems from partner companies.
- Technical tours to production facilities and research centers.
- Professional networking and career development:
- Meetings with recruiters from the largest energy companies.
- WPC Energy Young Professionals Committee meetings - an opportunity to connect with the international community of energy leaders.
The 7th edition of the WPC Youth Forum was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan from September 29 to October 2, 2022. The theme for the 7th edition was 'Energy Transition: Dialogue of Generations' with an international programme developed by 15 of our Young Professional Committee members from 13 countries.
The VI Youth Forum of the World Petroleum Council – The Future Leaders Forum was organized in St. Petersburg (Russia) on June 23-28, 2019. About 1,350 representatives of the oil and gas industry from 62 countries took part in the Forum. The topic "Shaping the Future of Energy" covered digitalization, robotics and environmental solutions. It brought together 140 speakers from 40 countries. Recognized as the best youth event in Moscow.
The V Youth Forum of the World Petroleum Council took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from October 24 to 27, 2016, under the theme of "Innovations for a Sustainable Energy Future". The event focused on bioenergy and deep-sea mining, with participants from 40 countries visiting the Petrobras Technology Center to develop solutions for the exploration of freshwater resources. Brazilian experts shared their experience of using ethanol as a fuel additive.
The IV WPC Youth Forum was held in Calgary, Canada, from October 22 to 25, 2013, under the theme " Unconventional Solutions for an Unconventional World". Participants from 35 countries presented their research and innovative ideas. The technical program was divided into three blocks: technical innovations, business leadership, and sustainable industrial development, in order to foster interest in both technological advancements in the industry and responsible attitudes towards the environment.
The III WPC Youth Forum took place from November 1st to 3rd, 2010, in New Delhi, India, in parallel with the Petrotech International Exhibition, under the theme "FuEL: Future Energy Leaders". This event provided participants with access to the latest technological advancements, platforms with top industry speakers, and opportunities for career development. The forum was organized by a team of twenty young professionals, with the support of the WPC Youth Committee.
The II WPC Youth Forum held on November 18-20, 2009 in Paris, France, brought together 1,200 participants and more than 2,000 joined online via the EnergizeMyNetwork platform. The main topics discussed were "Taking the pulse of tomorrow’s energy landscape: a reality check", analyzing global trends from fossil fuels to renewable energy; "Ethics and Sustainable Development in the Industry", exploring how businesses can combine profitability with environmental responsibility; and "Tomorrow’s Leadership", discussing the skills needed to tackle the energy challenges of the 21st century.
The forum was a success thanks to the use of the online platform, which allowed for a wider reach and engagement. Many participants went on to join the WPC Youth Committee.
The I WPC Youth Forum held on October 17-20, 2004 in Beijing, China, was a significant event that brought together young professionals to discuss the importance of innovation in the energy industry. The forum, titled "Youth and Innovation: The Future of Petroleum Industry," was well-received by the participants, and those who presented the best papers were invited to present at the 18th World Petroleum Congress in South Africa.
This event laid the groundwork for the continued development of WPC youth programs aiming to attract a new generation of professionals into the industry and support scientific and technological advancement in energy.