3rd GPCA Youth Forum Spotlights Role of GCC Youth in Driving Regional Development and Global Progress

 The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Youth Forum took place in Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat, Oman, from 2-5 December 2024

Muscat, Oman, 11 December 2024 – The 3rd edition of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Youth Forum, an initiative led by GPCA and the GPCA Youth Council, highlighted the role of GCC youth in driving regional development and global progress, attracting 385 young professionals and students from across the Arabian Gulf. Taking place on the sidelines of the 18th Annual GPCA Forum from 2-5 December 2024 in Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat, Oman, the GPCA Youth Forum addressed the theme ‘Youth Powering Tomorrow: Shaping a Sustainable Future’.

Nadia Al Hajji, CEO, PIC and Sponsor, GPCA Youth Council, welcomed delegates on 3 December by praising the significance of the forum: “The 3rd GPCA Youth Forum is more than just an event; it stands as a powerful testament to progress and our unwavering commitment to unlocking the full potential of the youth. These three days offer an extraordinary opportunity for growth, learning, and meaningful connections. I encourage you to immerse yourselves fully—engage actively, participate in discussions, and absorb the wealth of knowledge and experiences that surround you.”

One of the key features at this year’s Youth Forum was the “Youth Debate”, which addressed the topic of the petrochemical industry’s imperative to balance bold adaptation with lasting impact for the next generation. Moderated by Abdullah Albaze, Research Engineer, Corp R&D and Sustainability, SABIC, the session featured Dr. Fahad A Al-Sherehy, VP, Corporate Sustainability, SABIC; Dr. Ammar Mohammed Al Ojaili, VP R&D & Innovation, OQ; Lama Al-Otaibi, Learning and Development Specialist, EQUATE and Vice-Chair, GPCA Youth Council; and Mohammed A. Fakhroo, Mechanical Engineer, Q-Chem and Co-Chair, Outreach Sub-Council, GPCA Youth Council.

As part of an engaging CEO Panel entitled “Leading Sustainable Innovations in the Chemical Industry”, delegates heard from Hilal Al Kharusi, Chief Executive, Commercial and Downstream, OQ; Khalid Al Dawood, MD and CEO, NATPET; and Naser Aldousari, CEO, EQUATE, who shared real-life examples and insights on how to achieve sustainability goals through collaboration and innovation.

The forum continued with an engaging roundtable about energy and youth moderated by Ahmad Alshahrani, Ministry of Energy, Saudi Arabia and Chief of Saudi Energy Leaders Assembly (SELA), featuring Abdullah Aljarbou, Senior Fellow, KAPSARC; Aseel Al Masoudi, Business Partner in Commercial & Downstream, OQ & Member, GPCA Youth Council; and Mohamed Almoosawi, Mechanical Supervisor, GPIC and Co-Chair, Sustainability Sub-Council, GPCA Youth Council.

Dr. Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, welcomed delegates on 4 December, setting the tone for the remainder of the day. His remarks were followed by a Keynote session entitled “Synergy in Action Between Academia and the Chemical Industry” by Dr. Mohammed Al-Mulla, CEO, QAPCO and Vice Chairman, GPCA. In a special series of presentations delegates heard from Ali Al-Habsi, Retired Professional Footballer, Oman; and Ahmed Al Harthy, Professional Race Car Driver, Oman, about goal-oriented leadership, how to be successful and how to master resilience and adaptability. A special Youth Zone Workshop moderated by Hanan Wali, Economic Expert, Ministry of Energy, Saudi Arabia and a member of SELA, focused on the skills of tomorrow.

The GPCA Youth Forum concluded on 5 December with the most popular Speed Mentorship, followed by a simulation mock interview activity. The session featured over 20 senior leaders, who offered attendees short doses of mentorship. As part of the mock interviews, delegates experienced a simulation for job acquisition, promotions and more.

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “At GPCA and our member companies, we believe that the youth hold the key to driving the sustainability agenda forward. Our collective commitment to developing the region’s talent culminated in the 3rd GPCA Youth Forum, led by the youth, for the youth. Together with our member companies, we are working to build an enabling environment for our aspiring leaders, where they’re key participants in the making of our future.”

To learn more, visit: www.gpcaforum.com

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About the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) was established in 2006 to represent the downstream hydrocarbon industry in the Arabian Gulf. Today, the association voices the common interests of more than 250 member companies from the chemical and allied industries, accounting for over 95 percent of chemical output in the GCC. The industry makes up the second largest manufacturing sector in the region, producing over USD 108 billion worth of products every year.

GPCA supports the petrochemical and chemical industry in the Arabian Gulf through advocacy, networking and thought leadership initiatives aimed at helping member companies to connect, share and advance knowledge, contribute to international dialogue, and become prime influencers in shaping the future of the global petrochemicals industry.

Committed to providing a regional platform for stakeholders from around the world, GPCA manages six working committees – Plastics, Supply Chain, Fertilizers, International Trade, Research and Innovation, and Responsible Care – and organizes six world-class events each year. The association also publishes an annual report, regular newsletters and various other industry reports.

For more information, visit www.gpcaforum.com/gpca-youth-forum.