2005 - OPEC

or somewhere between $230 billion and $470 bn in investment terms. This vast range in oil
demand and investment becomes even more acute when taking into account the long lead
and pay back times involved and it must also be noted that uncertainties are overwhelmingly
skewed to the downside.
All this brings me back to the words: ‘dialogue’, ‘cooperation’ and ‘support’. These words
offer the way forward for all nations, both from the developed and developing world. Core
to OPEC’s objectives is to develop a common consensus that takes into consideration all our
needs and priorities, whilst specifically recognising the key international priority of tackling
energy poverty. For many in the world, access to energy is central to raising their standard
of living and bringing them out of poverty.
None of us can do it alone. We need to work together, to establish and maintain market
stability through our actions, because we all have a responsibility in continuing to supply af-
fordable, reliable energy, to everyone, and especially those who today suffer from limited or
no access to the very basic energy services.
Mohammed S. Barkindo
Acting for the Secretary General