Int. Oil and Gas confab held *In Azerbaijan
Over seventy-five (75) journalists across the world have been hosted in a two-day Oil, Gas and Media Conference organised by the International Press Institute (IPI), a global organisation based in Vienna, Austria with its focus on promoting Press Freedom worldwide.
The conference, held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan was aimed at deliberating on key issues relating to the energy sector as well as exposing and sensitising Journalists reporting in the area of Oil and Gas.
The event also offered participants the opportunity to interact and build network in the fast-paced, high-stakes energy and media sectors.
The Conference which was held in collaboration with the Azerbaijan National Committee and partnered by numerous companies such as the International Euroasia Press Fund, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), the Centre for Economic and Social Development (CESD), Trend News Agency and Austrian Airlines was used as the conduit to draw the attention of world leaders to put in place measures that empower journalists' reporting in the oil industry.
The move, according to the IPI would enable the citizenry in respective countries become informed of what and how their proceeds from the oil and gas is used in the developmental process by their government.
In her opening address, the Executive Director of the International Press Institute (IPI), Madam Alison Bethel McKenzie, empowered citizens in oil and gas nations to hold their governments accountable over the management and disbursement of their Oil proceeds.
Journalists especially participants of the event were tasked to be up and doing and report on issues that helps to raise the standard of the people in Oil and Gas nations.
This, she maintained would keep the people informed on how the revenue accruing from their oil is used so as not to be deprived their share of the national cake.
Chief economist, NGP Energy Capital Management, LLC based in Texas, USA, Mr. Anas Alhaji, who spoke on the topic 'Risk and Reward,' expressed satisfaction over the level at which journalists in some oil and gas countries risk their lives to expose some corrupt deeds by persons who actions were detrimental to the masses.
He challenged oil producing governments to consider putting in place lasting solutions that seek to invest more in the welfare of their people.
The two-day conference deliberated extensively on topics related to the energy sector, such as; the link between Oil reporting and press freedom; the complex world of energy ventures; access to poverty in oil-rich nations; Baku as a 'Black Gold Capital; as well as the use of social media by oil companies.
The discussions featured seasoned journalists of international repute and energy experts across the globe.