How energy leaders are shaping a new global order

Earlier this month, Energy Connects joined global leaders at the 9th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna, where the world’s top policymakers, CEOs and strategists gathered to engage in meaningful dialogue on the latest developments in global energy markets and energy security.

H.E. Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, warned that $18.2 trillion in upstream investment is required by 2050 to prevent structural underinvestment and ensure global energy stability. Speaking at the onsite Energy Connects studio in Vienna, his counterpart at the International Energy Forum (IEF), Jassim Isa AlShirawi, echoed the urgency but emphasised the need for a balanced, inclusive transition that protects emerging economies. Dr. Houda BEN JANNET ALLAL, General Director of Organisation Méditerranéenne de l'Energie et du Climat, emphasised the importance of regional cooperation to drive scalability and security across North Africa.

From Europe to Africa, the global energy system is undergoing a structural realignment driven by industrial strategy, shifting demand and technological change. In Europe, H.E. Senator Adolfo Urso, Minister of Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, shared Europe’s commitment to a diversified energy mix ahead of Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2025 in Milan. Meanwhile in Africa, Honourable Gaudentia Kröhne, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Mines and Energy - NAMIBIA, outlined plans to become a green hydrogen hub in an exclusive interview for the inaugural Global African Hydrogen Summit Preview. While Eng. Isaac Kiva , PE, FIEK, Secretary of State for Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy of Kenya, spoke on hydrogen’s role in industrial growth and climate goals.

Industry voices echoed this urgency. Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes, stressed the need to scale LNG for energy security and emissions reduction. Freeman Shaheen, President of Chevron Global Gas, positioned natural gas as a practical bridge to decarbonisation. And in the first episode of our new four-part podcast series with Siemens leaders John Nixon, Vice President for Global Strategy and Mike Houghton, Global Head of Sales at Siemens Digital Industries Software, discuss how digital technologies are transforming energy operations.

Add to that a new round of OPEC production cuts, as explained by our monthly columnist, Robin Mills, the signals are aligned: the path forward demands smart investment, rapid integration and innovation at scale.

Explore these insights and more in our curated selection below.

Ministerial interview: Celebrating Italy’s central role in the global energy sector

His Excellency Senator Adolfo Urso, Minister of Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, highlights the importance of natural gas as a key pillar in the energy transition and a stabilising force in the global energy mix. Hosting an international event like Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2025 in Milan testifies to Italy’s centrality in the global energy scene as a strategic hub in the Mediterranean. Read how Italy is positioning itself as a mediterranean energy hub.

Namibia positions itself as Africa’s green hydrogen powerhouse

Honourable Gaudentia Kröhne, Deputy Minister of Industries, Ministry of Mines and Energy - NAMIBIA, outlines how the country is becoming Africa’s green hydrogen powerhouse. From clean industry to global exports and cross-border infrastructure. Find out how Namibia is shaping the future of energy and unlocking new value across the continent.

OPEC Secretary General: oil needs $18.2 trillion by 2050 to secure our energy future

In an exclusive interview at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna, His Excellency Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, shared critical insights from the latest World Oil Outlook, underscored the urgent need for $18.2 trillion investments in oil by 2050 and explained why oil & gas are not the villains of energy transition but the essential pillars of a stable and secure energy future. See how global leaders are reframing oil & gas in the energy transition.

IEF Secretary General on building an equitable energy future

Jassim Isa AlShirawi, Secretary General of the International Energy Forum (IEF), says the energy transition must not leave billions in the Global South behind. Watch the full interview to discover how the company is working to build a more equitable energy future.

OMEC: partnerships key to unlocking Africa’s full energy potential

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Houda BEN JANNET ALLAL, General Director of Organisation Méditerranéenne de l'Energie et du Climat, spotlights Tunisia’s role as a strategic energy bridge between North Africa and Europe, from interconnection projects to policy cooperation. Watch the interview to see how Tunisia is driving regional energy integration for Africa’s future.

Africa’s green hydrogen awakening: clean energy, new horizons

Eng. Isaac Kiva , PE, FIEK, Secretary of State Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy of Kenya, explores how Africa is rising as a green hydrogen powerhouse. Discover how the continent is unlocking clean energy, jobs and industrial transformation.

Progress at scale: LNG in a low-carbon, secure energy future

Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes, shares why LNG is no longer a stopgap but a vital part of a secure and sustainable energy future. Read the thought leadership article on how the company is helping shape a lower-carbon world through cleaner, more flexible LNG.

LNG, natural gas and innovation: powering a just and sustainable transition

Guido Brusco, COO Global Natural Resources and General Manager at Eni, reveals how natural gas combined with innovation and technology is driving a just and sustainable energy transition. Delve into how Eni’s global projects are driving a cleaner, more reliable energy future.

Why natural gas can help secure the Middle East’s long-term energy future

Dietmar Siersdorfer, Managing Director of Siemens Energy Africa and Middle East, explains why natural gas is key to securing the Middle East’s energy future amid geopolitical tensions. Discover how gas, smart grids and innovation can build resilient, low-carbon power systems for the region. Explore the insights about the path to energy independence and sustainability.

From molecule to market: natural gas a platform for progress

Freeman Shaheen, President of Chevron Global Gas, expresses that natural gas and LNG are more than just bridge fuels. They are essential platforms for a reliable, affordable and lower-carbon energy future that complements renewables and strengthens energy security. Uncover how Chevron is delivering reliable, lower-carbon solutions in an increasingly complex world.

Siemens: pioneering intelligent operations with digital twins

In the first episode of our four-part podcast series, Chiranjib Sengupta sat down with John Nixon, Vice President for Global Strategy in Energy, Chemicals and Infrastructure and Mike Houghton, Global Head of Sales, both Siemens Digital Industries Software, to discuss how digital twins are reshaping oil and gas operations. Listen online to discover how intelligent systems are redefining the energy sector.

Explained: OPEC’s latest productions cuts and the road ahead for crude

OPEC+ accelerates production increases - but what happens when voluntary cuts expire? In his latest monthly column, Robin Mills, breaks down the implications of OPEC+’s recent decisions, the changing balance within the group and what it all means for global oil supply, prices and future quota negotiations. Dive into the factors shaping the road ahead.

Keeping the energy industry connected

Energy Connects helps companies position themselves in front of global industry professionals, key influencers and decision makers using tailor-made marketing solutions. Here are some of our key stats.

• Unique access to more than 2 million professionals, CEOs and policy makers

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• A social media footprint of more than 400,000 followers

• Official Media Partner for 40+ leading energy events such as ADIPEC, Gastech, EGYPES, India Energy Week and more.

Happening next

Gastech Exhibition and Conference is coming this September to Milan, Italy – the world’s leading energy event driving bold conversations and real-world impact. Spanning 160+ sessions and 15 programmes, with over 1,000 influential speakers, Gastech is where policy, innovation and investment converge. As Official Media Partner, Energy Connects gives your brand unmatched visibility – seize this opportunity to lead the global energy dialogue. Get in touch today!