Mayor Sylvester Turner welcomed the World Petroleum Congress to Houston Monday morning, delivering remarks during the Opening Keynote Session. The 2021 event marks the first time WPC has been held in the United States in 30 years. Exhibitors from around the world filled the George R. Brown Convention Center, allowing some 5,000 visitors from 70 countries the opportunity to see the latest innovations in construction, operations, and sustainability in the energy industry.
“As the energy capital of the world, Houston and Houston companies are leading the way for the future of the energy industry,” said Mayor Turner. “We have challenged ourselves not to just talk about the energy transition but to help lead the energy revolution.”
As chair of Climate Mayors, Mayor Turner keeps keen attention on the advances being made to create safer, more resilient processes in the energy industry. During an impromptu conversation with a group of young professionals gathered at the Hess exhibit, he addressed just how important the younger generation is when it comes to tackling climate change.
“You see a lot of ideas that are taking place, whether it’s in infrastructure, technology, whether we’re talking about ways to create sustainable communities, and the role that the industry is playing… You all can help us to innovate, you can help the industry itself to be a little bit more disruptive,” said Mayor Turner.
Visitors who met with the Mayor Tuesday afternoon hailed from Saudi Arabia, Angola, Peru, India, and more. Turner also met with the mayor of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where WPC 2023 will be held. WPC continued until Wednesday afternoon, where Mayor Turner spoke during the closing ceremony.