A panel at the WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh on 14 October 2026 placed skills development and access to energy at the centre of the sector’s transition. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the discussion connected investment in technology and infrastructure with communities’ needs and career opportunities.

Skills for new industries

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals President Dr Muhammad Al-Saggaf said financial investment needs to be matched by investment in talent. Education should prepare innovators and entrepreneurs to create new activities and jobs, rather than focus solely on existing occupations. He highlighted university programmes in hydrogen, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.

Princess Mashael AlShalan, chair of the Women and Energy group, focused on access to electricity, efficiency, services and greater participation by women. She linked long-term planning with labour-market needs and day-to-day challenges.

Different countries, different pathways

International Energy Forum Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi argued that no single transition pathway suits every country, given differences in resources and priorities. He called for investment across energy sources to meet demand and address gaps in access to modern energy.

The session formed part of the 25th Congress, which continues through 15 October at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center. These were speakers’ policy perspectives, not an announcement of binding decisions or new programmes launched during the session.

Image: an illustrative photograph from the Congress’s official media library, reused with attribution. It does not document the 14 October session.

Source: SPA report dated 14 October 2026.