Doha, Qatar • 30 April 2012 – Qatar Petroleum was a major exhibitor and the platinum sponsor of the thirteenth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XIII), which was held recently at the Qatar National Convention Centre.

Inaugurated by His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, UNCTAD XIII was hosted by the State of Qatar on April 21-26, marking the first time ever that the quadrennial event was held in the Middle East region. The main theme of the event was “Development-centred globalization: Towards inclusive and sustainable growth and development.”

QP’s participation in the event was under the directives of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman & Managing Director of QP. On the sidelines of the conference was an exhibition that enabled the corporation to showcase its extensive operations to the large number of delegates, who represented UNCTAD’s 194 member countries.

QP’s strong support to UNCTAD XIII is in line with its corporate commitment to back major events that contribute to international development and further raise the profile of the State of Qatar to the global community of nations. As the platinum sponsor of the event, the corporation succeeded in further highlighting its leading position in the regional and global oil & gas industry.

Formed in 1964, UNCTAD is primarily involved in promoting the “development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy.” Over the years, it has evolved to become a knowledge-based institution that plays a central role in shaping current policy debates and thinking on global development, with emphasis on achieving sustainable development.

The UN General Assembly welcomed the generous offer of the State of Qatar to host UNCTAD XIII in its resolution 63/204, which was adopted during its 72nd plenary meeting on December 19, 2008.