A meeting of the Programme Committee of the Russian National Committee of the World Petroleum Council was held in Moscow, chaired by Academician Alexander Nekipelov.

The Committee met for the first time in its new composition. It was decided to form 8 sections, thematically oriented to discuss and develop expert recommendations on a wide range of challenges and tasks relevant to the oil and gas industry.

RNC of the WPC Programme Committee includes authoritative scientists, managers, representatives of oil and gas companies and experts: academicians S. Aldoshin, A. Dmitrievsky, A. Kontorovich, V. Kryukov, A. Makarov, V. Polterovich, B. Porfiriev, president of the Union of Oil and Gas Producers of Russia G. Shmal, head of department at Gazprom Neft S. Vakulenko, director of SKOLKOVO Energy Centre I. Gaida and others. The main task of the Programme Committee is to provide scientific and analytical support to RNC of the WPC activities aimed at promoting Russian interests in the preparation of the World Petroleum Congress, other events of the World Petroleum Council and the Russian National Committee of the WPC.

"The unprecedented level of the Programme Committee members’ composition makes it one of the most authoritative centres of expertise in the industry. The energy transition and other serious challenges facing the oil and gas industry require in-depth analysis and out-of-the-box solutions. The work of the Programme Committee will help promote Russia's interests in the global energy system as well as prepare in-depth proposals for the authorities," said Vlada Streletskaya, Director of RNC of the WPC.

Even at the first meeting, the participants of the Programme Committee discussed proposals for the structure and themes of the 24th World Petroleum Congress to be held in Calgary (Canada) in 2023. The recommendations made will determine Russia's position, which will be presented at the meeting of the Programme Committee of the World Petroleum Council in June 2021.