The Fort Worth Chamber's Energy Council welcomed a 13-member delegation of energy and policy leaders from across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific this week, as part of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The visit, coordinated through the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, brought representatives from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vietnam, and the ASEAN Centre for Energy to Fort Worth to explore U.S. energy policy through the lens of security, independence, and innovation. 

Representing the Energy Council, Co-Chairs Ryan Haggerty of RHR Oil & Gas and John Vallance of Whitley Penn anchored the conversation from two sides of the industry — Haggerty speaking as a Texas and U.S. oil and gas operator, and Vallance drawing on his career financing oil and gas operations. Attorney Tyler Goldthwaite of Cantey Hanger rounded out the discussion, sharing his expertise on the legal and regulatory frameworks that shape the industry in Texas specifically. 

The exchange proved to be a rare opportunity for direct comparison: delegates whose home countries range from diesel-dependent island grids to some of the world's most import-reliant economies sat down with Fort Worth's own energy leadership to discuss how "energy security" takes on different meaning depending on where — and who — you are. 

Haggerty reflected on the experience: 

"It was a true privilege to spend time with this outstanding delegation of energy leaders from across the Indo-Pacific. While our countries may face different challenges and pursue different energy strategies, our discussions reinforced a shared goal: delivering affordable, reliable, and secure energy that improves lives and fuels economic opportunity. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the thoughtful exchange of ideas, learning from each delegate's unique perspective, and sharing Texas' entrepreneurial approach to energy development. Conversations like these remind us that the future of energy will be built not only through innovation but also through relationships, collaboration, and a willingness to learn from one another. 

My sincere thanks to the Fort Worth Chamber for continuing to elevate our city onto the global stage. Fort Worth's rich energy heritage, innovative spirit, and business leadership have earned it a respected voice in conversations that shape the future of energy around the world. I look forward to building on these relationships, especially the DFW World Affairs Council, and exploring future collaborations that benefit all of our communities." 

The meeting is the latest example of the Chamber's role as a convener for the energy industry — and a reminder that the region's and Texas' energy leadership extends well beyond production, into the policy dialogue shaping energy's future worldwide.

If you're part of the energy industry — whether in operations, midstream, downstream, renewables, legal, or financing — and want to stay connected on future Fort Worth Chamber Energy Council engagements like this one, reach out to Henri Nilsen. The Energy Council is always looking to expand the conversation with voices across the full energy value chain.