As the escalating demand for energy resources changes the way the petroleum industry explores for and produces energy resources, so too has the workforce that provides the technical expertise. The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), in cooperation with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), will hold the international symposium “Empowering Women in the Energy Industry for Value and Development,” 19-20 September 2013 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
The two-day symposium aims to identify concrete and actionable solutions that empower women energy professionals for the betterment of themselves, their employers, and the industry. In addition to sessions that address the challenges of creating a diverse workplace, achieving greater representation in leadership positions, and work/life balance, participants will share success stories and experiences that create opportunities for learning, networking, and mentorship.
“It is an appropriate time for this symposium,” said SPE member and symposium co-chairperson Bunmi Titiloye. “The global need for energy resources necessitates a larger workforce. The industry needs as many qualified professionals as possible ‒ men and women ‒ to fill the void. This event brings women together to exchange ideas and strategies that will allow them to navigate their career path more successfully.”
“UNECE works for gender equality across many diverse industries through our Gender and Economy Programme,” said Charlotte Griffiths, symposium co-chairperson and UNECE economic affairs officer. This event provides an occasion to collaborate with like-minded organizations and support initiatives that promote a workforce that is reflective of our global society.”
“Technological advances in recent years have revolutionized the petroleum landscape,” said Claudine Sigam, committee member and UNCTAD economic affairs officer. “Oil and gas companies are expanding operations in new and remote locations, which require more sophisticated skills and techniques. Computer-assisted exploration and advanced petroleum engineering are providing new and expanded opportunities for women.”
Women in the industry from multinational corporations including BP, Baker Hughes, Chevron, Halliburton, Schlumberger, Shell, Statoil, and Transocean will serve as panelists in six in-depth sessions.
For more information, please visit http://www.unece.org/energy.html
Or contact Charlotte Griffiths at [email protected]