(PRESS RELEASE) Suriname Awareness Symposium 2025 (SAS2025) aims to build Suriname’s future through the development of the energy sector. This event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss and strategize on local economic development, stakeholder collaboration, and economic diversification.
On a rainy afternoon in Suriname, after the Closing of a major energy conference, two entrepreneurs, Ileana Ferber and Vanessa Yacoob found themselves inspired. They recognized a pressing need to raise awareness among key stakeholders about creating local content opportunities, promoting alignment and collaboration, and driving economic diversification. The idea of an “Awareness” event emerged as the perfect solution to this mission. To achieve this, they envisioned bringing in an international leader capable of igniting passion and enthusiasm among the Surinamese people. They believed that by harnessing the transformative power of ideas and the ability to shape the future, Suriname could be positioned on the path to success and become a role model for other resource-rich developing countries. SAS25 WAS BORN!
The SAS Team:
Ileana Ferber – SAS Founder: Ileana has over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, specializing as a local content expert. She is the CEO & Founder of Colibri Business Development LLC and previously worked in Procurement at ExxonMobil. Her expertise includes building capacity in governments, local workforce, and suppliers, with a focus on fostering innovation, collaboration, and knowledge transfer.
Vanessa Yacoob – SAS Founder: As a respected expert in her field with almost two decades of experience in the oil and gas industry across multiple countries with proven track record she aims for the brightest minds in innovation. As a successful author and goal-oriented business development management consultant in the energy sector, she is driven to exceed growth and success. She is the CEO and Founder of Sheriff Consultancy.
Lucil Drielinger-Fernandes – SAS advisor: Lucil has a distinguished 25-years army career, where she developed strong leadership and strategic thinking skills. She also has over a decade of experience in protocol and high-profile security, having served multiple presidents. As a dedicated diplomat and co-founder of Elite D’Fam Consultancy, she has significantly contributed to international relations, economic growth, and entrepreneurship.
SAS Strategic Partners:
African Energy Chamber (AEC) – is an advocacy that focuses on promoting the interests of the African energy sector, particularly in oil and gas. They work to enhance collaboration among local companies and international partners, aiming to optimize investment and development in Africa’s energy landscape while ensuring that local communities benefit from these resources. Their initiatives include policy development, capacity building, and facilitating networking opportunities within the industry. The AEC can assist other countries by fostering international partnerships and investment opportunities in the energy sector. They promote collaboration between African nations and global entities, helping to optimize energy resources and infrastructure development.
Local Content Alliance (LCA) – is a platform formed by partners and members with a focus on promoting local content and inclusive development where local companies in Suriname join forces and collaborate with each other. By working together, these companies can pool their resources, share their expertise, and leverage their strengths to achieve tremendous success in the industry. One of the key benefits of the Alliance is the collaboration among local companies in Suriname to increase efficiency, share information, and benefit from business opportunities together.
What Sets SAS25 Apart
The Team’s global reach and extensive network of key international industry leaders and organizations attract participants from diverse cultures, fostering a truly global exchange of ideas. This provides unparalleled networking and best practices learning opportunities that can drive meaningful connections, collaborations, and initiatives.
SAS 25 cutting-edge content and meticulously curated program addresses the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the energy sector that will raise awareness and ignite the spark among Suriname citizens. SAS25 focuses on achieving alignment and collaboration among key stakeholders, ensuring that participants gain valuable insights and actionable strategies, as well as learning opportunities from internationally renowned experts.
The value-added experience of attending SAS25 promises a high return on investment. Participants will leave with a clear vision and actionable plans to contribute to Suriname’s success in the energy sector. By attending, they will be equipped to play a pivotal role in the country’s economic growth and development.
SAS Mission and Objectives:
SAS mission is to foster collaboration to spark creativity and shared-value creation while driving economic growth and diversification through Suriname’s energy sector.
The objective of this 2-day symposium is:
- Provide an open platform for key stakeholders and community members to engage in meaningful discussions about Suriname’s energy sector.
- Raise awareness and foster understanding of critical topics, including:
- Alignment and Collaboration: Emphasize the importance of coordinated efforts among government, private sector, and community groups to ensure sustainable development and maximize benefits for all.
- Local Content: Highlight the benefits of building a robust local economy through local workforce development, supplier participation, and in-country value creation.
- Economic Diversification: Advocate for strategies that diversify Suriname’s economy, reducing dependence on a single sector and ensuring long-term stability and growth.
- Facilitate a productive dialogue and encourage participants to consider innovative solutions that support economic growth, sustainability, and local empowerment.
- Provide accessible capacity-building opportunities for the Surinamese community through specialized Master Classes delivered by international subject matter experts.
Keynote Speaker:
NJ Ayuk, a prominent leader in Africa’s energy sector, will be SAS25’s special guest and keynote speaker. He is recognized for his commitment to driving sustainable development and empowering local entrepreneurs. As the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and founder of Centurion Law Group, he has dedicated over two decades to shaping policies that enhance Africa’s energy landscape and eliminate energy poverty. His advocacy for local content development and investment in African talent positions him as a key figure in promoting economic growth and innovation across the continent. Through his work, NJ inspires a new generation of leaders and champions the potential of Africa’s vast energy resources to transform lives and communities.
The Program:
The upcoming event will feature a comprehensive program focused on the future of energy in Suriname. The first day will begin with opening remarks from a government official, followed by ministerial insights and a keynote address by NJ Ayuk, who will discuss the energy trilemma (justice, security, and transition). Attendees will engage in a series of awareness panels addressing critical topics such as investment protection, local content opportunities, and the role of education and technology in fostering resilience within the energy sector.
The program will also explore the economic development potential of critical minerals and renewable energy, alongside discussions on environmental risks and the necessity for disaster recovery plans. With breaks for networking and collaboration, this event aims to empower stakeholders and drive meaningful dialogue on maximizing Africa’s energy resources for sustainable growth.
Master Classes:
On the second day of the event, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a series of eight master classes designed to deepen their understanding of critical topics in the energy sector. The sessions will kick off with NJ Ayuk leading a discussion on Energy Poverty & Just Transition, emphasizing the importance of balancing fossil fuels and renewable energy to achieve equitable access. Other notable sessions include insights from DP World/Petronas on Safety, Health & Environment, and a lecture by Prof. Eduardo Pereira on Joint Ventures in the O&G Industry, which will explore collaborative strategies for success in the oil and gas sector.
Additionally, attendees will benefit from expert-led discussions on Energy Synergies between renewables and mining, and the intricacies of Local Content Requirements presented by Tony Paul. The program will also cover the Fiscal System in O&G, opportunities for SMEs in the industry by Ileana Ferber, and a session on Revenue Management by Laura Robinson, President of ICGFM (International Consortium of Governmental Financial Management). These master classes aim to equip participants with practical knowledge and strategies to navigate the evolving energy landscape, fostering innovation and collaboration across the sector.
Book Signing:
NJ Ayuk is the author of several influential books that explore the future of Africa’s energy sector. His latest work, “A Just Transition: Making Energy Poverty History with an Energy Mix,” discusses the challenges and opportunities for African nations in transitioning to sustainable energy while leveraging their natural resources. Additionally, his bestselling book, “Billions at Play: The Future of African Energy and Doing Deals,” highlights the potential for investment and growth in Africa’s energy landscape, advocating for local content and entrepreneurship. As part of the program, participants will have the opportunity to acquire a signed copy of Ayuk’s latest book.
Join us in Paramaribo as we connect worldwide and local leaders, charting the course for a brighter energy future in Suriname. Providing an open platform for key stakeholders and community members to engage in meaningful discussions about Suriname’s energy sector.
SAS2025 – Unlocking Tomorrow Solutions Today
Registration: https://sas2025.event.sr/
📅 27th-28th Jan. 2025
🌎 Paramaribo, Suriname – Royal Torarica Ballroom
For more information, contact:
Ileana Ferber, Colibri Business Development LLC.
Email: [email protected].
Vanessa Yacoob, Sheriff Consultancy
Email: [email protected].
