World Energy Congress report; benefiting society and protecting the environment key to attracting talent
The importance of communication and public engagement is central to the future of the energy industry, according to delegates at the 24th World Energy Congress (WEC) in Abu Dhabi. This was the conclusion of a panel discussion, ‘Refuelling the talent pipeline: The energy professional of the future’ chaired by CIPR’s Energy Leadership Platform (ELP) co-Chair, Ella Minty.
The discussion highlighted the growing relevance of “soft skills” within the energy sector and the value of public relations in delivering and communicating social value, particularly on issues such as climate change and talent retention and attraction. The panel included:
- Miss Louise Kingham, the CEO of the Energy Institute, UK
- Miss Meera Al Mheiri, Nuclear Safety Inspector, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulations, UAE
- Miss Gulnara Bikkulova, Deputy Director General of Rosatom Corporate Academy, Russia
- Ms Andrea Barber, CEO and Co-founder of Rated Power, Spain
- Mr Nuno Silva, Technology and Innovation Director EFACEC Energy, and the Chair of the Future Energy Leaders of the World Energy Council
It was an honour to represent CIPR and the ELP at WEC 24. Encouragingly for the PR profession, the importance of communication and engagement was high on the agenda with businesses leaders recognising the value these skills can bring to the energy industry.
At the panel discussion on future talent, there was a unanimous understanding that the sector must embrace communicating on a “human” level and that a career in energy must be more than “just a pay cheque.” As businesses embark on this journey, the ELP is well positioned within the energy sector to highlight public relations is a strategic management function.
The Congress brought together heads of state, government ministers, global leaders and industry experts from across the world’s energy landscape. As well as the co-Chair, Ella Minty, the ELP was further represented by Nick Turton.
- For more information, read Ella Minty’s blog from the WEC.
- Find out more about CIPR's Energy Leadership Platform.
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas. The CIPR is the largest membership organisation for PR practitioners outside of North America. By size of turnover and number of individually registered members, we are the leading representative body for the PR profession and industry in Europe.
The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).