29th World Gas Conference to Make Its Debut in China on May 19 in Beijing

Beijing will host the 29th World Gas Conference on May 19, marking the first time this prestigious event takes place in China. As the largest natural gas consumer city in the country and the second-largest globally, natural gas plays a crucial role in Beijing’s development. This information was shared at a routine press conference held by the Beijing Municipal Government on April 18.

The conference will center around the theme of <b>"Empowering a Sustainable Future."</b> It will bring together numerous renowned companies from the global gas sector and feature nearly 80 forums. During the event, the <b>"Beijing Declaration on Low-Carbon Development in the Global Gas Industry"</b> will be announced, contributing China's solutions to the global energy transition.

The World Gas Conference is organized by the <b>International Gas Union</b> (IGU), which is the largest international organization in the gas industry, representing over 90% of the global natural gas market and encompassing members from 150 organizations across 80 countries, including major gas importing and exporting nations as well as leading multinational oil and gas companies. China became a member of the IGU in 1986.

The IGU hosts three flagship events: the World Gas Conference, the Global LNG Conference, and the Global Gas Research and Technology Conference. In 2016, the National Energy Administration of China collaborated with the IGU to host the G20 Gas Day event in Beijing, followed by the successful Global LNG Conference in Shanghai in 2019.

<b>Li Xianyu</b>, a member of the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, stated that the World Gas Conference is considered the <b>"Olympics of the Energy Sector."</b> Its inaugural session in China, specifically in Beijing, reflects the international community's high recognition of China's energy transition efforts and showcases Beijing's global influence as a center for international exchanges and technological innovation. This year's conference aims to establish an important cooperation platform for <b>"technology sharing, industry integration, and collaborative development."</b> It also serves as a vital stage for implementing the <b>"Global Development Initiative"</b> and deepening global energy governance cooperation, while demonstrating the practical applications of modernization in China and promoting a high-level opening to the outside world.

According to Li, "As the largest natural gas consumer city in China and the second-largest globally, natural gas is vital for Beijing's development. This conference will comprehensively showcase the blueprint for China's energy transition and the outcomes of Beijing's practices, expanding the global energy cooperation 'circle of friends.' It will lead the way in establishing a new framework for international cooperation and global governance in energy transition that is open and mutually beneficial. The conference will create a platform for domestic and international industry exchanges and collaborations, encouraging participating organizations and companies to work together and enhance international cooperation. Furthermore, it will innovate consumption scenarios, products, and services, strengthening the ability of clean and low-carbon energy to serve the public and mobilizing societal support for energy transition.

The <b>29th World Gas Conference</b> will be held from May 19 to 23 at the National Convention Center Phase II. <b>Cao Yujun</b>, chairman of the National Organizing Committee for the conference, mentioned that the event will include an opening and closing ceremony, high-level dialogues, plenary meetings, and parallel forums, totaling more than 80 dialogue and exchange activities. More than 400 high-profile speakers from both domestic and international backgrounds have been invited, including political leaders, CEOs of international oil and gas companies, heads of international organizations, leaders of international financial institutions, and think tank experts. The forums are expected to attract over 3,000 representatives from more than 70 countries. In terms of exhibitors, over 200 companies will participate, with an exhibition area of approximately 50,000 square meters. Many top global energy companies will showcase their innovations, with over 50% of the exhibition space allocated to international exhibitors; Chinese exhibitors will include significant state-owned energy enterprises and leading companies in the city gas industry. In addition to comprehensive energy companies, many high-end manufacturing, engineering design, and strategic consulting businesses will also be represented, with an anticipated attendance of over 30,000 professional visitors.

Empowering a sustainable future is the central theme of this conference. Cao stated that discussions will focus on six major areas: <b>global energy landscape, energy transition, regional gas development, energy and finance, global LNG outlook, and digitalization and technological innovation.</b> This not only allows for insights into strategic industry trends but also facilitates the discovery of cutting-edge technological innovations. During plenary sessions and topical debates, international and domestic guests will share their perspectives and ideas. Technical experts will present the most advanced green technologies and best practices in industry insight and technological innovation forums. This collaboration will help the global gas industry achieve cooperative wins and sustainable development.

In terms of conference operations, low-carbon and environmentally friendly practices will be a key feature. The organizing team indicated that the atmosphere, forum decorations, and exhibition stands will all utilize recyclable materials. The foyer area will also reuse public meeting spaces from the previous international exhibitions. Items provided to guests, such as conference bags, badges, and wristbands, will be made from renewable materials. Information dissemination will be paperless, with schedules, brochures, and guides available via electronic codes or an app. Additionally, a diverse range of food offerings at the venue will feature bite-sized and smaller portions to encourage multiple servings and reduce waste.

As one of the most significant meetings in the global gas sector, the World Gas Conference plays a vital role in promoting the development of the global gas industry. Cao emphasized that the conference will showcase China's achievements in development and foster global cooperation while serving as a platform for Chinese gas companies to display their progress over the years, thereby bridging friendships between China and the global energy sector.

During the conference, Beijing will offer a variety of cultural activities for attendees from around the world. The organizing team plans to present a cultural tour along the central axis of the city before the opening dinner, illuminating the ancient and modern elements of Chinese culture. Attendees will also experience traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage, such as cloisonné, Hanfu and Tang costumes, paper cutting, calligraphy, and table tennis, which is recognized as the national sport. This year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy; therefore, an Italian Night social dinner will be held, featuring traditional Italian cuisine and authentic Italian opera alongside performances of classical Chinese dance and ethnic music, creating a unique cultural celebration.

Moreover, the conference will showcase various modern technological innovations, including a "Gas Space" photo spot that utilizes new flexible screen technology interwoven with natural plants, embodying the philosophy of harmony between humans and nature. Attendees will receive mobile translation apps to facilitate multilingual interactions. The Bank of China will offer a smart digital card to streamline transport and payment for foreign guests. The venue will also feature dozens of robots providing professional answers in both Chinese and English, guiding attendees and enhancing the overall experience with technological engagement.