In collaboration with the Iraq Energy Institute (IEI), the American University of Iraq-Baghdad (AUIB) co-hosted the 6th Iraq Energy Forum, attended by a host of dignitaries, scholars, and experts in the field, most prominent of whom were H.E. Prof. Ali Allawi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Iraq, H.E. Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Ministers, Members of Parliament, and diplomats, among them the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, H.E. Greg LoGerfo.
The distinguished guests were welcomed by Dr. Michael Mulnix, AUIB President, and Prof. Gareth Stansfield, IEI President. “AUIB is fast becoming a think-tank,” especially as it has come to host several scientific and cultural organizations such as the IEI, UNESCO, and Amideast, said Dr. Mulnix, citing also in this regard the many partnerships AUIB has forged with a number of the world’s most prominent universities. Dr. Mulnix seized the opportunity to announce AUIB’s new campaign, “Dare to Dream,” which envisions the university as “the engine of Iraq’s rebirth,” as it strives to play a central role in “Iraq’s cultural renaissance.”
Secretary General Barkindo praised Iraq’s leading role in OPEC, serving to “bring balance and stability to the oil market,” particularly in times of crisis, and spoke of the important role that the IEI and AUIB can perform as open “apolitical platforms” for policy discussions. In parallel to tackling the challenge of reducing carbon emissions, “the reality of developing countries” should be considered, said Mr. Barkindo, referring to the “millions who don’t have access to electricity,” much less Green technology. The OPEC Secretary General spoke of the need for “multilateralism,” dialogue, and cooperation on “the socioeconomic impact of (carbon emissions) mitigation” policies, ensuring that “none are left behind” in the process of energy transition.