Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, hosted French Ambassador Eric Chevallier and global experts in climate change and sustainability as guest lecturers as part of its Executive Master in Energy and Resources (E&R) programme.
Participants concluded studies with a final module ahead of graduation that offered them opportunity to learn more about climate change from Chevallier and Fahad Al Attiya, former chairman, Qatar National Food Security Programme.
The programme also hosted Benoit Leguet, Managing Director and Head of Research, CDC Climat, as a visiting professor. He taught a specialised course on carbon finance, EU Energy and Climate Policy, and spoke about COP 21 (21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) to be held in Paris by year-end.
Leguet, who for over a decade has been advising decisionmakers in public and private organisations on issues relating to transition to a low-carbon economy, said: “HBKU’s programme serves as an eye-opener for people looking to understand how issues will affect the energy sector in the future. Most participants brought up questions and challenged my responses, opening up discussions on the financial and operational impact of climate change in the coming years.”
The 16-month programme, offered in partnership with Georgetown University, Texas A&M University, and HEC Paris, integrates geopolitics, public policy, technology, finance, management, and strategy.
Designed for professionals with experience or interest in the energy sector, programme students are able to enhance skills and gain exposure to the global experts without leaving their homes and careers in Qatar.
Dr Antoine Hyafil, Academic Director of the programme, said: “Courses are tailored for working professionals who want to integrate skills developed during the modules into their careers. By providing participants with exposure to experts, students have access to the most up-to-date, cutting-edge developments in the sector and are in a place to engage leaders on topics relating to challenges and their career development.
“I am grateful that luminaries from academia, the energy industry, and beyond continue to be willing to share knowledge and expertise with programme participants.”
The second intake of the programme has begun second study module, including a new one-day course on oil and gas financial markets, taught by guest lecturer Dr Evariste Nyouki, Head, Economic Research, GDF SUEZ Trading, the trading arm of a leading multinational company working in electricity, natural gas, and energy services.
Dr Nyouki said: “This is my first time in the Gulf. While speaking to participants, I’ve tried to focus on tools that are increasingly used in the oil and gas financial markets around the world. It’s good that the program is helping update participants on developments in the energy industry, including finance- related aspects.”
The Peninsula
