As part of the three-day long 2024 US-Republic of Korea Energy Security Dialogue, Energy Workforce members participated in track 1.5 business discussions with the US and Korean delegations on Tuesday, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss pressing energy security issues and explore avenues for collaboration.
Energy Workforce members engaged with high-level delegations from both the United States and Korea. Led by Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt and his Korean counterpart Deputy Minister Hee-sang Kim from the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these discussions provided a unique opportunity for business leaders to contribute their insights and perspectives on global energy security issues. Participating in the discussions were Nigel Jenvey, Vice President Energy Transition Project Development, Baker Hughes, who discussed the global hydrogen markets, Alberto Morandi, Director GustoMSC Americas, NOV, and Earl Childress, Chief Commercial Officer, Oceaneering, who both discussed global offshore wind, and Nicholas Lugansky, Head of Mining, SLB – New Energy, who discussed Global Critical Mineral Supply Chain.
International diplomacy occurs in many forms, defined as “tracks,” that engage various participants, from academics to policymakers to heads of state. Track 1.5 dialogues are conversations that include government officials—who participate in an unofficial capacity—and non-governmental experts. The Track 1.5 Business Discussions served as a forum for open dialogue and collaboration. The Track 1.5 Business Discussions served as a forum for open dialogue and collaboration, allowing participants to exchange ideas and share industry perspectives on pressing energy security challenges. By bridging the gap between government representatives and business leaders, these discussions facilitated a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the global energy landscape.
Following the Track 1.5 business discussions, delegates from both the US and Korea convened at the Private Sector Reception, hosted by Energy Workforce in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-Korea Business Council. This networking opportunity provided a platform for continued engagement and discussion, allowing participants to further explore the implications of energy security and global energy markets on bilateral relationships.
Energy Workforce Board Chair Scott Livingston, President, Energy Products and Services at NOV, set the tone for the evening with his opening remarks, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing energy security challenges. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from event partners Doug Wharton, Senior Vice President, LNG Marketing, Venture Global LNG, and Alex Whittington, Director International Affairs, Cheniere Energ,y and event co-host Dan Byers, Vice President, Policy, U.S. Chamber Global Energy Institute, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Assistant Secretary Pyatt and Deputy Minister Kim closed out the evening with their remarks, emphasizing the significance of the Energy Security Dialogues and the valuable contributions of the private sector to bilateral discussions. Their words underscored the importance of continued collaboration between government and industry in addressing shared energy security concerns.
The Track 1.5 Business Discussions and Private Sector Reception at the 2024 US-Republic of Korea Energy Security Dialogue exemplified the power of collaboration and dialogue in addressing complex energy challenges. By bringing together government officials and industry leaders, these events fostered a spirit of cooperation and innovation, paving the way for a more secure and reliable energy future.
For additional information or to become part of the International Programs Committee, interested individuals can reach out to Deidre Kohlrus, Energy Workforce Senior Director of Government Affairs.
Deidre Almstead Kohlrus, Senior Director Government Affairs, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
