The World Petroleum Council (WPC), leading global organization on oil and gas, will be holding its globally attended Congress in South Africa on September 25-29,the first time the organization holds its tri-annual Congress on the African continent in the 72-year history.

The following are some facts about the organization.

Founded in London in 1933, the WPC is an international, unbiased, non-political organization that provides a forum for discussing world issues facing the oil and gas industry. It is dedicated to scientific advances in the oil and gas industries, technology transfer and to promote the management of the world's petroleum resources for the benefit of mankind.

The WPC's 62 member countries represent over 90 percent of the world's major oil and gas producing and consuming nations of the world. Each country has a national committee made up from representatives of the oil and gas industry, academia and research institutions, and government departments.

Every three years, the World Petroleum Congress offers an international oil and gas congress hosted by one of its member countries. Attendance at WPC Congresses is open to all, and over 90 countries are usually represented. The Congresses held regularly have traditionally covered all aspects of the industry, from exploration to downstream activities. More recently, these topics have been expanded to include petroleum finance, management and environmental issues.

This year's World Petroleum Congress (18th WPC) will focus on the theme, "Shaping the Energy Future: Partners in Sustainable Solutions." Trends and outlooks integral to the future success of the industry are the focus of discussions and presentations at the 18th WPC. Delegates will explore international business opportunities and threats, exchange ideas on global issues, network and share the latest information on technological,

economical, environmental and social developments.

High-level government and industry delegations from the 62 member countries of the WPC, together with many non-member countries, more than 3,500 executives, 250 students and 400 journalists worldwide, are expected to take part in this event.

Two exhibitions will run parallel with the 18th WPC: the Southern African International Oil & Gas Exhibition 2005 promises to be the largest such exhibition the continent has ever seen, while the Global Business Opportunities Center 2005 is reserved solely for the WPC member countries' National Committee, where the exhibiting host and co-host companies will be joined by some of the most prestigious national oil companies worldwide.

Source: Xinhua