Perth will take centre stage in the global energy industry, with City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds elected President of the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP) – the first time in 15 years an Australian city has led the international network.
Representing 17 major energy cities around the world, WECP connects civic and industry leaders to share expertise, strengthen international relationships and collaborate on the opportunities and challenges facing the global energy sector.
Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said the appointment was significant recognition of Western Australia’s standing on the world stage.
“Western Australia has helped power the world for generations, and today we’re helping shape the future of global energy,” Mr Reynolds said.
“For Perth to be entrusted with leading this international partnership is an extraordinary honour and a tremendous opportunity for our city and our State.
“We are home to some of the world’s leading energy companies, extraordinary technical expertise and innovative businesses developing the technologies of tomorrow. But this presidency isn’t simply about recognition. It’s about turning international relationships into real opportunities for Western Australian businesses, researchers and innovators.
“I want to see stronger commercial partnerships, new markets opening up for our businesses and greater international collaboration on the challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector.
“Whether it’s energy security, emerging technologies or the transition to a lower-emissions future, the world’s great energy cities have much to learn from each other. And Perth deserves to be at the centre of those conversations.”
Mr Reynolds paid tribute to outgoing WECP President and Mayor of Esbjerg, Denmark, Jesper Frost Rasmussen, for his leadership over the past four years.
“Mayor Rasmussen has done an outstanding job strengthening this partnership, and I look forward to building on that work over the next two years,” he said.
Mr Rasmussen congratulated the Lord Mayor on his appointment and reflected on the value of international collaboration in addressing shared energy challenges.
“I warmly congratulate Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds on his election as President of the World Energy Cities Partnership,” Mr Rasmussen said.
“Perth has been an important part of our partnership since the very beginning, and I am delighted to see the city take on this leadership role once again.
“Over the past four years, one thing has become particularly clear to me: although our cities are thousands of kilometres apart, we have a great deal in common. We face many of the same questions about the future of energy, and the strength of our partnership lies in our willingness to share experiences and learn from one another.”
The presidency was announced today, during the WECP Annual General Meeting and Conference, which is being hosted in Perth from 9 – 12 November.
The four-day event brings together international mayors, industry leaders and researchers to exchange ideas, strengthen commercial connections and showcase WA’s energy expertise.
Perth is Australia’s only WECP member city and a founding member of the partnership, with a history of involvement spanning three decades.
