From May 22 to 24 2004 the International Energy Forum (IEF) - the global energy producer-consumer dialogue - took place in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. For the first time in the twelve year history of this ministerial dialogue a meeting with the industry was organized. Its purpose was to enable invited CEOs of leading international companies to discuss with ministers and representatives of international organizations.

One of them was ExxonMobil's CEO, Lee Raymond. During a plenary session on May 22, he gave a speech in the presence of the IEF host, the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Mr. L.J. Brinkhorst, about ExxonMobil's vision on the world's future energy needs. 'During the outlook period', said Mr. Raymond, 'the resources will be available to meet the larger demand, but they will not become available automatically -- we will have to advance the technology and have the policies that will make the resources available and economic to develop.'

To read the entire speech, click here.