Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali is set to deliver the keynote address at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), a role the United States says signals the country’s position on the global energy stage.
Speaking on the latest episode of Energy Perspectives, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot said the assignment reflects how Guyana is viewed by governments and industry.
“President Ali is not just participating; he is the keynote speaker of the entire conference. OTC is a conference that’s held every year in Houston [Texas] and it brings together global leaders of private sector companies and governments who work in the energy sector. For him to be the keynote speaker for the entire world at OTC, I think that tells you everything you need to know,” she shared.
The conference, held annually in Houston at the NRG Centre, convenes major oil and gas operators, service companies and policymakers from around the world.
Ali’s appearance comes as Guyana’s oil output continues to expand offshore in the Stabroek Block, operated by ExxonMobil and its co-venturers. More than 50 discoveries have been made there since the first Liza discovery in May 2015. Production began in December 2019 and later reached 900,000 barrels per day in the Stabroek Block.
The ambassador said the United States sees Guyana as an increasingly important partner as global energy security faces pressure.
“Guyana is incredibly important to us, and that importance is only growing as we see, unfortunately, global issues impacting energy security,” she noted, referencing the current Strait of Hormuz crisis.
She said Guyana’s ability to continue production without disruption is a factor in that assessment. “You are continuing to do what you do unabated, unaffected by these things so you are only growing in importance and you’re growing in importance to us,” she added.
Guyana will also be a key feature at OTC 2026 with two sessions at the Around the World Series set to examine the country’s policy direction, investment climate, local content framework, and wider development opportunities.
The Around the World Series gives selected countries and delegations a platform to present business opportunities, licensing activity, and technology advances to a global audience. For Guyana, the May 5 program will focus on how the country is positioning itself as an energy producer while building out opportunities in other parts of the economy.
