This is the first time in its 72 year history that the World Petroleum Council has held its Congress in Africa. This year, it will be held in the heart of one of Johannesburg's central business districts, Sandton. The theme is focused on sustainable solutions for energy as the lifeblood of economic and social development around the world. Discussions and presentations will cover many important trends, such as cleaner energy production, that will be integral to the industry’s future success.

High-level government and industry delegations from the WPC’s 62 member countries, plus those from non-member countries, plus more than 3,500 thousand executives, 250 students and 400 journalists are expected at this year’s this event.

Two exhibitions will run parallel with the WPC:

• Southern African International Oil & Gas Exhibition 2005 (SAIOGE 2005)
• Global Business Opportunities Centre 2005 (GBOC 2005) for World Petroleum Council members only

The Technical Programme consists of four blocks, each with an individual theme and plenary addresses by high-profile business leaders. Plenary sessions will be followed by a selection of topical CEO-level roundtable discussions, review and forecast paper presentations, forums on key areas of interests, and complementary poster sessions.