Internationally recognised journalist and economic analyst John Defterios will join the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – OGT 2026” as Anchor and Lead International Moderator.

The conference will take place in Ashgabat on 21–23 October 2026 under the theme “Energy. Partnership. Progress.”

Defterios will anchor key elements of the programme and lead high-level discussions involving government representatives, senior energy executives, investors, international organisations and technical experts.

He has more than 35 years of experience covering international business, energy, trade and geopolitics. Defterios previously served as CNN Business Emerging Markets Editor and Anchor and worked from the network’s Abu Dhabi bureau, reporting extensively on developments across the Middle East and other emerging markets.

During his career, he has also worked with Reuters Television and PBS Television and has interviewed heads of state, ministers and senior executives of major international companies.

Defterios is widely recognised for moderating discussions at major international platforms, including the World Economic Forum, the OPEC Seminar, ADIPEC, the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum and International Monetary Fund roundtables.

He currently serves as Professor of Business at New York University Abu Dhabi and as a Strategic Senior Advisor to APCO Worldwide. He is also associated with international initiatives in the fields of energy, business and sustainable development.

Commenting on his anticipated participation, Defterios said in a proposed statement:

“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.

The announcement comes as preparations for OGT 2026 continue to gain momentum.

According to the organisers, more than 150 delegates have already registered for the conference, several months before the event. All available exhibition space has also been sold out, reflecting strong interest from international and national companies operating across the energy value chain.

The State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan, SOCAR, has been confirmed as Premier Partner of OGT 2026.

SOCAR’s participation is expected to contribute to discussions on Caspian energy cooperation, regional connectivity, technology, investment and the development of mutually beneficial partnerships.

OGT 2026 will focus on the development of Turkmenistan’s oil and gas resources, the Galkynysh gas field, offshore exploration in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, natural gas processing, petrochemicals, project financing, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and methane-emissions reduction.

The forum will also provide opportunities for bilateral meetings and direct engagement between international companies and Turkmenistan’s state energy institutions.

Although exhibition space is fully booked, registration for conference delegates remains open.

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