In a recent interview on Edu-FM, Kiana Wilburg, the incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, elucidated the pivotal role the organization is hoping to play in guiding Guyana’s energy sector towards international best practices.
With a keen eye on avoiding pitfalls and leveraging successes, Wilburg emphasized the importance of learning from the experiences of global oil producers to equip Guyana with the knowledge needed for sustainable development.
“The government has said already that the objective is to make Guyana the model state for not only best practices in the oil and gas industry, the development of the oil and gas industry, but also to ensure we lead the way on what it means to be a diversified country, and to not put ourselves in a position where we become victims of the dreaded resource curse or Dutch disease,” Wilburg, noted.
She further stated that the Guyana Energy Conference Secretariat’s strategy revolves around maintaining a global perspective by engaging with partners who possess valuable insights. “That global perspective that we’re hoping to have is reaching out to those partners who have already made the mistakes, who have the lessons to share with us,” she added.
Wilburg highlighted ongoing discussions with countries like the Dominican Republic, renowned for their expertise in energy sustainability, and collaborations with agencies such as the Indian High Commission. These partnerships aim to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration tailored to Guyana’s unique context.
However, it is essential to note that while the Guyana Energy Conference aims to ensure information is available to the government and stakeholders as it facilitates access to expertise, it cannot guarantee implementation or prevent a potential repeat of other oil producers’ mistakes. Wilburg was keen to note that the organization serves as a facilitator in guiding policymakers towards informed decisions but ultimately relies on governmental agencies and stakeholders to execute strategies effectively.
Moreover, Wilburg emphasized the importance of broadening discussions beyond energy alone. She stressed the need to maintain focus on traditional sectors while harnessing oil and gas revenues to drive growth and development across various industries. Key areas of focus include leveraging revenue for women in STEM opportunities, local content development, and digitization initiatives.
According to the incoming CEO, the Guyana Energy Conference serves as a platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration, ensuring that Guyana remains at the forefront of sustainable energy development while avoiding the pitfalls encountered by other nations. She indicated that through strategic partnerships and a commitment to learning from past experiences, Guyana is poised to emerge as a leader in the global energy landscape.
