RIYADH — Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said Monday that Saudi Arabia would overcome current challenges, honor its international energy commitments and continue advancing its ambitious transformation.Speaking at the opening of the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh, Prince Abdulaziz said recent regional developments and attacks on infrastructure had demonstrated that energy security could never be taken for granted.He emphasized that resilience must be established long before crises emerge, rather than developed in response to disruptions.The minister said Saudi Arabia had invested for decades in spare production capacity, storage facilities, alternative export routes, technology, domestic supply chains and skilled personnel to ensure the continuity and reliability of energy supplies.He stressed that the Kingdom's ability to withstand disruptions and recover quickly reinforced its position as a reliable partner in the global economy.Prince Abdulaziz said energy resilience should not be measured solely by production capacity, pipelines or electricity generation, but also by the ability to maintain operations, repair damaged infrastructure, redirect supplies and recover under pressure.He described resilience as a continuous state of preparedness, built through sustained investment and demonstrated through action.The minister also highlighted the strategic importance of localizing energy industries and supply chains, saying localization was more than an economic objective.He said developing domestic capabilities was essential to maintaining business continuity and accelerating recovery when international supply chains face disruption.Prince Abdulaziz reaffirmed that energy security and the transformation of the global energy sector must advance together.He stressed that there could be no energy future for all without energy security for all.The minister said Saudi Arabia would continue investing in reliable oil and gas supplies while expanding renewable energy, electricity grids, energy storage and gas infrastructure.The Kingdom would also accelerate the development of lower-emission technologies, strengthen domestic manufacturing, enhance supply-chain resilience and invest in human capital, he added.Prince Abdulaziz reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to implementing Vision 2030, developing its energy and industrial capabilities and maintaining its responsibilities toward both its citizens and international partners.The 25th WPC Energy Congress, held under the theme "Pathways to an Energy Future for All," marks the first time Saudi Arabia has hosted the event in its more than 90-year history.Running through October 15, the Congress brings together senior government officials, energy executives, investors, experts and industry professionals from around the world to discuss energy security, investment, innovation, sustainability and the future of global energy markets.WPC Energy President Pedro Miras highlighted Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in global energy systems, citing the Kingdom's investments and contributions to technological innovation.Miras said energy security remained fundamental to economic growth and social stability, emphasizing that the transformation of the global energy sector required sustained, long-term investment.He pointed to artificial intelligence, digitalization, emerging fuels and carbon storage technologies as key developments shaping the industry's future.Miras also called for stronger international cooperation, stressing that collective action was essential to achieving a secure and sustainable energy future.The Congress features ministerial dialogues, strategic discussions and technical sessions covering energy markets, investment, natural gas, carbon management, critical minerals, digital transformation and artificial intelligence.An accompanying exhibition spanning approximately 50,000 square meters showcases technologies and solutions from leading international energy companies and participating countries.The event coincides with Energy Week in Riyadh, which includes technical meetings for the 17th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM17) and the 11th Mission Innovation Ministerial (MI-11), hosted by Saudi Arabia from October 11 to 13 under the theme "Inspiring Transformations to Deliver Regional Transitions."The WPC Energy Congress is the flagship event of WPC Energy, an international organization founded in 1933 whose membership represents more than 60 countries.
