Year - 2025

Lifetime Achievement for the Advancement of International Energy Policy and Diplomacy

H.E. Haitham Al-Ghais

OPEC Secretary General

H.E. Haitham Al Ghais has had a profound influence on the global energy landscape through his role as Secretary General of OPEC. Since assuming the position in August 2022, he has been instrumental in fostering consensus among member nations during a time of significant market volatility.

H.E. Al Ghais has made notable contributions to global energy dynamics. His diplomatic acumen has helped stabilise oil markets, promote dialogue between producers, consumers, and other energy stakeholders, and reinforce OPEC’s strategic role in global energy matters. He also played a pivotal role in the historic Declaration of Cooperation between OPEC and non-OPEC oil-producing countries, as well as in establishing the Charter of Cooperation.

A strong advocate of a data-driven, fact-based approach, H.E. Al Ghais has strengthened the OPEC Secretariat’s research, analysis, and forecasting functions. His work has informed policy advice for the OPEC Conference and the Organisation’s other decision-making forums. He champions a nuanced understanding of energy transition pathways, emphasising that every country must chart its own course to reduce emissions and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to climate and energy challenges.

Under his guidance, OPEC has expanded and modernised its communication functions and tools, ensuring that oil producers’ voices are heard in international discussions on energy futures. He has also tirelessly advocated for the rights of those affected by energy poverty, promoting an approach rooted in mutual respect and inclusivity.

With a career spanning over three decades in international oil diplomacy, H.E. Al Ghais has demonstrated exceptional leadership in uniting diverse stakeholders. He played a pivotal role in shaping the OPEC+ grouping and has worked closely with both OPEC members and non-members to coordinate production adjustments and strategies. In 2017, he was appointed as the first Chairman of the Joint Technical Committee, where he facilitated the development of methodologies for monitoring production adjustments. His leadership in these initiatives has been instrumental in maintaining market stability. His collaborative style fosters trust and long-term partnerships, anchoring his reputation as a bridge-builder.

H.E. Haitham Al Ghais firmly believes that petroleum and petroleum-derived products play—and will continue to play—an essential role in the daily lives of billions of people worldwide, as well as being vital for numerous economic sectors and global development. For this reason, he stresses that energy security is essential, as oil will remain a key component of the global energy mix for the foreseeable future.

He advocates for an “all-peoples, all-energies, and all-technologies” energy future, emphasising technological innovation as a means of reducing emissions while meeting the world’s growing energy needs. In all his advocacy, he consistently highlights the urgent importance of addressing energy poverty.