The Al-Attiyah Foundation hosted its fourth and final CEO Roundtable of 2024 on December 4. The event, titled “A Year of Change: Reflections on 2024 and Priorities for 2025”, brought together prominent industry leaders, global experts, and policymakers to reflect on the key developments of the past year and discuss priorities for the year ahead.

The roundtable featured insights from Bill Farren-Price, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Gas Research at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, Gulmira Rzayeva, Senior Visiting Research Fellow at the same institute and David Hart, Partner at ERM and Visiting Professor at Imperial College London. Also joining them virtually at the roundtable were Alan Gelder, Vice President of Chemicals and Oil Markets at Wood Mackenzie, and Marissa Lee, Associate Director at Global Counsel.

Moderated by esteemed broadcaster Axel Threlfall, the event facilitated a robust discussion on pressing topics, including fluctuating oil and gas prices, the affordability of renewable energy, advancements in battery storage, and the ongoing challenges of energy security. The dialogue also delved into the geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions that have shaped the global energy landscape in 2024, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and OPEC+ production policies.

Speakers emphasised the complex interplay between economic conditions, technological innovation, and geopolitical factors in shaping energy markets. They reflected on the stabilisation of natural gas prices, driven by Europe’s increased LNG imports and investments in renewable energy, and on the continued decline in solar and wind energy costs, despite lingering supply chain challenges.

The roundtable also examined emerging priorities for 2025, highlighting the need to address regional disparities in energy access, accelerate the transition to sustainable energy systems, and bolster resilience against future disruptions.
H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Ibrahim, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Al-Attiyah Foundation, expressed his appreciation for the candid and insightful discussions. “This final roundtable of 2024 provided an invaluable opportunity to reflect on am eventful year. The insights shared by our distinguished speakers and members will serve as a guide as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2025,” he said.

The event concluded with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing the Foundation’s role as a leader in promoting knowledge exchange on global energy and sustainability issues. A detailed Whitepaper summarising the discussions and recommendations will soon be available on the Foundation’s website, www.abhafoundation.org.