The risks associated with the exploitation of hydrocarbons are enormous and raise many questions. It is with this awareness that the GIDEL/UCAD UNESCO Master Chair organized a two-day reflection and sharing on the theme “Hydrocarbons and sustainable development” at the Confucius Institute of Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD II). The discussion mainly focused on:

• Contribution of education, training and research institutions (universities, institutes, research centers);
• Issues on marine and coastal ecosystems (pollution, management and treatment of waste);
• Hydrocarbons, income and sustainable development: issues and limits of the law on the management of revenues from hydrocarbon exploitation in Senegal;
• Negotiation techniques and transparency in oil and gas contracts;
• Litigation/Litigation management between oil multinationals and impacted communities;
• Geopolitics of hydrocarbons: what opportunities for African countries?
• Energy transition and exploitation of fossil resources: the “Gas To Power” strategy in Senegal.

The scientific meeting was an opportunity to discuss current and relevant issues related to the mode of development generating economic growth, social equity and environmental sustainability. It was an opportunity to exchange and share with different actors on the multiple issues raised by the exploitation of hydrocarbons with a particular emphasis on the sustainability of development through a multidisciplinary approach.