Preparations for the 31st International Conference and Exhibition «Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026» have reached an important new stage with award winning journalist and economic analyst John Defterios confirmed as the event’s Anchor and Lead International Moderator.

The announcement comes amid growing international interest in OGT 2026. More than 150 delegates have already registered to participate, all available exhibition space has been sold out, and the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan — SOCAR — has joined the event as its Premier Partner.

OGT 2026 will be held in Ashgabat from 21 to 23 October under the official theme «Energy. Partnership. Progress.» The conference and exhibition will bring together government representatives, senior executives from national and international energy companies, investors, financial institutions, technology providers, technical experts and representatives of international organisations.

The participation of John Defterios will further strengthen the international profile of the conference and support high-level, substantive dialogue across its strategic and executive sessions.

International experience in energy and emerging markets

John Defterios is an award-winning journalist, economic analyst, international moderator and academic with more than 35 years of experience covering energy, trade, geopolitics and emerging markets.

He previously served as CNN Business Emerging Markets Editor and Anchor, reporting from the network’s Abu Dhabi bureau and covering major economic and energy developments across the Middle East, Eurasia and other emerging regions.

During his distinguished broadcasting career, Defterios worked with CNN, Reuters Television and PBS Television in the United States. His international reporting assignments included major historical and economic events such as the Gulf War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, global financial developments, G8 and G20 summits, and significant transformations across the world’s energy markets.

He has conducted interviews with heads of state, ministers, policymakers and senior executives of some of the world’s leading companies. His extensive knowledge of international energy markets and his ability to facilitate focused discussions have made him a widely sought-after moderator at leading international forums.

Defterios has chaired and moderated sessions at major platforms including the World Economic Forum, the OPEC Seminar, the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, ADIPEC, International Monetary Fund roundtables and other high-level economic and energy gatherings.

He is currently Professor of Business at New York University Abu Dhabi, a Strategic Senior Advisor to APCO Worldwide and a World Economic Forum Senior Energy Fellow. His contribution to energy journalism has been recognised through several professional honours, including awards from the Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation and the International Association for Energy Economics.

At OGT 2026, Defterios will anchor key elements of the programme and lead a number of high-level international discussions. His participation will contribute to an engaging conference format, encourage constructive exchanges among speakers and help connect Turkmenistan’s energy priorities with wider regional and international developments.

«I am delighted to join OGT 2026 as Anchor and Lead International Moderator. Turkmenistan holds a vital, strategic position in the regional and international energy landscape, supported by its significant resource base, long-term partnerships and expanding cooperation with the leading international energy companies. I look forward to engaging with government leaders, industry executives, investors and technical experts in Ashgabat, and to helping facilitate a constructive dialogue on the opportunities shaping the future of the energy sector,» said Defterios.

Growing international participation

The confirmation of John Defterios comes as registration for OGT 2026 continues to gather momentum. More than 150 delegates have already confirmed their participation several months ahead of the conference, reflecting growing interest among energy companies, investors, service providers, technology developers and international institutions.

Delegations are expected from established and emerging energy markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and other regions.

The level of early registration demonstrates the importance attached by the international energy community to Turkmenistan’s development priorities, major investment opportunities and long-term energy partnerships.

Turkmenistan possesses one of the world’s largest natural gas resource bases and continues to implement strategic programmes aimed at developing its onshore and offshore resources, modernising energy infrastructure, expanding processing capacity and diversifying the production of higher-value energy and petrochemical products.

OGT 2026 will provide an important setting for discussing these opportunities and for strengthening cooperation between Turkmenistan’s state energy concerns and international partners.

The conference programme will address upstream development, natural gas monetisation, offshore exploration, petrochemicals, project financing, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, methane-emissions reduction, energy efficiency, human-capital development and the role of innovation in supporting reliable and sustainable energy production.

The programme will also provide opportunities for bilateral meetings, business-to-government engagement and direct dialogue between international companies and Turkmenistan’s energy institutions.

Exhibition space fully sold out

A further indication of strong market interest is the complete sell-out of exhibition space for OGT 2026.

The exhibition will showcase the capabilities of national and international companies working across the energy value chain, including exploration and production, engineering, construction, oilfield services, equipment manufacturing, digital technologies, automation, environmental solutions, logistics and professional services.

The sale of all available stands well in advance of the event represents an important commercial milestone. It demonstrates strong demand from companies seeking to present their technologies and expertise, engage directly with decision-makers and identify opportunities for long-term cooperation in Turkmenistan.

The fully booked exhibition is expected to create a dynamic environment for professional networking, technology demonstrations and discussions on practical solutions for current and future energy projects.

Although exhibition space is no longer available, registration for conference delegates remains open. Organisations interested in participating are encouraged to confirm their delegations at an early stage.

SOCAR confirmed as Premier Partner

The organisers have also confirmed the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan — SOCAR — as the Premier Partner of OGT 2026.

SOCAR is one of the Caspian region’s leading integrated energy companies, with activities encompassing oil and gas exploration, production, transportation, processing, refining, petrochemicals and international energy trading.

Its participation as Premier Partner reflects the continued development of energy dialogue and cooperation in the Caspian region. It will also contribute to discussions on regional connectivity, investment, technological cooperation and the development of mutually beneficial partnerships.

The involvement of leading energy companies and international institutions strengthens OGT’s role as a platform where national priorities can be connected with international expertise, technology and investment.

Further announcements concerning strategic partners, keynote speakers, participating delegations and programme developments are expected in the coming weeks.

Energy. Partnership. Progress.

OGT 2026 is organised by the State Concerns «Turkmengas» and «Turkmennebit,» the State Corporation «Turkmengeology,» in partnership with the ES «Turkmen Energy Forum».

Over three days, the conference and exhibition will provide a platform for strategic dialogue, professional exchange and the development of new partnerships across the energy sector.

The official theme, «Energy. Partnership. Progress.,» reflects the central principles of the event: the responsible development of energy resources, the importance of reliable long-term cooperation and the role of innovation and investment in supporting economic and technological progress.

The combination of an internationally recognised Anchor and Lead International Moderator, a growing number of registered delegates, the complete sell-out of exhibition space and the confirmation of SOCAR as Premier Partner demonstrates the strong momentum behind preparations for OGT 2026.

As Ashgabat prepares to welcome representatives of the international energy community in October, OGT 2026 is taking shape as an important platform for practical dialogue, investment engagement and the advancement of mutually beneficial energy partnerships.