Joining Hands to Empower the Future and Composing a New Chapter in Gas Industry - The 29th World Gas Conference Closing in Beijing

On the noon of the 23rd, the closing ceremony of the 2025 World Gas Congress was held at the Beijing National Convention Center, marking the successful conclusion of the 29th World Gas Congress. During the conference, the Chinese team of the organizer and the leadership of the International Gas Union (IGU) jointly participated and closely cooperated, dedicating a rich and fruitful event to the global gas industry. The closing ceremony kicked off in a lively atmosphere, and a wonderful cultural performance presented cultural congratulations to the conference. The dancers performed a dance called "Wing Chun" that incorporated Southern Fist techniques, followed by the melodious song "Time to say goodbye" echoing throughout the venue, showcasing the beautiful integration and innovative expression of Chinese and Italian cultures, winning rounds of applause from the audience. The conference summary video reviewed the wonderful moments of the four-day conference, evoking fond memories of the conference time for the attending delegates.

At the important part of the closing ceremony - the award ceremony of the conference, the organizing committee commended outstanding scientific research achievements and innovative practice papers in the gas industry. Yang Lei delivered a speech on behalf of the IGU Coordination Committee. He stated that in the past year and a half, this essay competition has selected 659 papers from 54 countries and regions around the world, covering important areas of the gas industry and providing valuable insights for the development of the global energy industry. These achievements have promoted the high-quality development of the industry and inspired practitioners in the global gas industry to continue exploring and innovating.

After strict, fair, just, and transparent evaluation by the conference organizing committee and IGU, a total of 13 award-winning papers were selected for the WGC2025 Regional Award, WGC2025 Industry Award, and IGU Global Gas Award. Among them, the "Regional Award" and "Industry Award" were established for the first time at this conference. IGU hopes to promote regional diversity research through the "Regional Award" and encourage innovation in industry segments through the "Industry Award". At the award ceremony, Menelaos Ydreos, Secretary General of IGU, took the stage to present the awards to the WGC2025 Industry Award winners, while Chairman Yang Lei presented the awards to the WGC2025 Regional Award winners. Finally, IGU Chairman Li Yalan presented the award to the winners of the IGU Global Gas Award, the highest honor of this conference's essay contest, and took a group photo as a souvenir. The innovative research achievements of the award winners not only provide valuable experience and inspiration for the gas industry, but also inject strong impetus into the high-quality development of the global energy industry. At the closing ceremony, the WGC2025 Beijing Declaration was officially released as an important achievement of this conference. Under the joint witness of all the guests, Chairman Li Yalan took the stage to read out the main points of the declaration. The declaration profoundly elaborates on the key role of gas in ensuring global energy security, promoting green and low-carbon transformation, and addressing climate change. It clearly states that gas will play an irreplaceable role in building resilient energy systems, supporting the development of renewable energy, and promoting regional equitable transformation. As the core achievement of this conference in consolidating industry consensus, the Beijing Declaration not only points out the direction for the development of the gas industry, but also puts forward a global initiative to work together to promote sustainable energy development, winning widespread response and high praise from all parties present. Chairman Li Yalan subsequently delivered a passionate closing speech. She summarized the results of the conference with detailed data: during the four-day conference, more than 80 special forums were held, and more than 400 speakers shared their insights; At the same time, 300 exhibitors showcased the latest achievements in the industry, attracting over 30000 visitors to visit and exchange ideas, achieving the largest and most successful event in IGU's history. Chairman Li Yalan stated in her speech that despite the uncertainty of the future, she remains confident in the development of the gas industry. She sincerely thanks the IGU team for their joint efforts, especially mentioning the important support of Secretary General Mel and Vice President Andrea during her tenure, and thanks all the participants who made WGC2025 a reality. It is because of everyone's efforts that the conference was a complete success. She expressed deep affection that although her term as president is coming to an end, she has always been with IGU and will continue to support the successor president Andrea, working together to push the alliance forward and embrace a brighter future for the gas industry. Subsequently, the conference held a handover ceremony for the term of IGU Chairman.

This solemn moment is not only the handover of rights and responsibilities, but also the inheritance of spirit and mission. The guests from the entire audience gave warm applause, paying high respect to Chairman Li Yalan's outstanding contributions to the development of the International Gas Union and the global gas industry during her tenure, and warmly welcoming Mr. Steger to take over the baton and open a new chapter for IGU. At the handover ceremony, the chairman of the 2018-2022 term also took the stage to witness it together. Several presidents appeared on the same stage, symbolizing the continuation of the mission and inheritance of the ideas of the previous leaders of the International Gas Union, and demonstrating the industry spirit of unity, cooperation, and opening up the future. At the end of the ceremony, members of the IGU Chinese presidium and representatives of the Chinese work team took a group photo with Chairman Li Yalan on stage. This moment not only records the glorious journey of three years of hard work, but also captures China's contribution and responsibility as the host country to the global gas industry.

Next, we will play the "Italian Time" promotional video on site. The video showcases Italy's vision and achievements in energy transition and gas technology innovation, and extends a warm invitation to meet in Milan three years later.

Subsequently, the incoming chairman Andrea delivered his inauguration speech, expressing sincere gratitude to the Chinese team for their outstanding work. He emphasized that he would work together with all parties to promote the integrated development of natural gas and renewable energy on the basis of inheriting the achievements of his predecessor, and promote more inclusive and sustainable growth of the global industry. As the Chairman of the 30th WGC, Andrea expressed his belief that gas will play a crucial role in future human progress and global development, which is also the original intention of Italy's willingness to take over the hosting. He solemnly promises to speak out on behalf of Italy and global gas industry practitioners in the future, continue to promote IGU's professional spirit and knowledge sharing tradition, eliminate prejudice, convey confidence, and expand the positive influence of the gas industry in the global energy system. Italian Ambassador to China, Massimo Ambrosetti, then took the stage to deliver a speech. He highly praised the fruitful achievements of this conference and felt honored to witness the smooth handover of China Italy presidency at the closing ceremony of this World Gas Conference. Ambos thanked Chairman Li Yalan for his outstanding leadership and congratulated Andrea on her appointment as the new chairman. Ambos pointed out that Italy will continue to make efforts in the integration of renewable energy and gas, energy transformation and other fields, and is willing to deepen green cooperation with China and work together to promote a low-carbon future. He sincerely invites global gas colleagues to gather in Milan in three years and attend the 30th World Gas Congress together. Amidst warm applause, Chairman Steger invited members of the Italian presidium to take the stage and take a photo with Italian Ambassador to China, Ambrose, to showcase Italy's confidence and enthusiasm in hosting the next conference to the global gas industry.

With the closing ceremony coming to an end, the 29th World Gas Conference, which embodies global wisdom and cooperation, has come to a successful conclusion, injecting new impetus and expectations for the high-quality development of the gas industry in the future.

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