Muscat:The Ministry of Economy organized a panel discussion titled "Navigating Shifts in the Global Energy Landscape" at the Royal Opera House Muscat, marking the first session of the "Future Dialogues" program.
According to Oman News Agency, the event included participation from various officials and representatives from the energy and economic sectors. The session focused on examining the factors and forces reshaping global energy markets and explored their potential implications for economic development and national plans. Strategic options for enhancing institutional readiness and decision-making flexibility in response to these changes were also discussed.
Economic expert Laszlo Varro, Vice President of Global Business Environment at Shell and leader of the company's Scenarios Team, delivered a keynote address. He spoke on the transformations within the global energy system and the trends influencing its future. Discussions included the future demand and supply of oil and gas, trade relations, and the resulting opportunities and challenges for energy-exporting countries. Additionally, the session addressed the interplay between the economy, politics, technology, and society, and their collective impact on energy and development.
The session also highlighted the use of foresight and scenario planning in assessing potential energy market pathways, understanding uncertainties, and testing strategic options. This approach supports the formulation of national plans and prepares for future shifts.
The "Future Dialogues" program is part of the Ministry's efforts to activate the foresight ecosystem and promote strategic dialogue among officials, experts, and specialists about global transformations and their implications for Oman's priorities, including the goals of "Oman Vision 2040." The program is facilitated by the National Foresight Office, which organizes regular meetings with local and international experts to exchange knowledge, explore opportunities and challenges, and discuss practices suitable for Oman.
The initiative benefits from a strategic partnership with international institutions skilled in forecasting and exploring future pathways, thereby enriching dialogue on national choices and reinforcing the integration of foresight into planning and policy-making.