We are pleased to invite you to the upcoming Majlis@Waseda Series event, hosted by Akita University’s Graduate School of International Resource Sciences.
This event will delve into the evolving energy landscape in the Gulf region, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by oil-producing states as they adapt to global shifts toward decarbonization and renewable energy.
Event Details:
Date: November 11, 2024 (Monday)
Time: 14:30 – 16:00
Location: 60th Anniversary Memorial Hall, Akita University
Speakers: Prof. Abdullah Baabood, Prof. Keiko Sakurai (Waseda University)
Commentators: Dr. Shigeto Kondo (IEEJ), Dr. Manami Goto (Akita University)
The Gulf oil-producing states are now facing the harsh reality that the world’s energy landscape is rapidly changing, taking into account the increasing link between energy consumption and climate change. The global energy market is thus experiencing a dramatic shift, with new producers and technologies challenging the traditional dominance of fossil fuels in the global transition toward decarbonization and net-zero emissions.
Historically, oil has played a critical role in supporting the region’s political systems, maintaining rulers’ legitimacy, and sustaining the social contract that ensured relatively high standards of living. However, as the world moves away from carbon-based energy sources, the Gulf states must reshape their economies to adapt to the long-term global transition. They will have to respond to this new dynamic in energy geopolitics with new policies in an attempt to maintain their standing. Several states have launched ambitious plans to diversify their economies from oil and expand the region’s renewable energy sector. Nevertheless, in the foreseeable future, revenues from oil exports particularly to Asia, where demand is rising will remain crucial for the Gulf states.
At this Majlis@Waseda series held at Akita University this dynamic change is going to be thoroughly discussed under the following themes:
・Emerging global energy trends and their impact on the Gulf
・Economic diversification, regime stability, and the future of social contracts in a post-oil era
・Regional conflicts, hydrocarbon export challenges, and superpower influence in Gulf energy dynamics
・Reforms in the Gulf energy sector and the prospects for renewable energy
This event is part of the Majlis@Waseda series and offers a unique opportunity to engage with experts on the critical issues shaping the future of energy and geopolitics in the Gulf region.
* Majlis are ‘sitting places’ where community members gather to discuss and debate events and issues, exchange news, receive guests, socialize and be entertained in Arab societies.
