Arpel was invited to participate in the 9th OPEC International Seminar held at Holburg Palace, Vienna, on July 9 and 10.

The OPEC International Seminar is considered one of the most important events in the energy industry, and its 2023 edition attracted more than 1,000 participants, including ministers from OPEC and non-OPEC countries, CEOs, heads of international organizations, and journalists.

Carlos Garibaldi, Executive Secretary of Arpel, returned to this important event after participating in 2023. This year, he took part in the panel entitled “Developing Countries' Energy Needs and Priorities – Roads to Eradicate Energy Poverty.”

In his remarks, Garibaldi discussed Latin America and the Caribbean's low contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of structural and energy poverty on the region's socioeconomic development, and the resulting right of its countries to develop and monetize their natural resources and choose their own paths and pace to achieve just, equitable, and inclusive transitions.

According to the different scenarios projected for the coming decades, hydrocarbons will continue to be the backbone of energy security. For this reason, Garibaldi questioned initiatives to restrict capital flows to the oil and gas industry, the need to invest more in exploration, and the urgency to attract capital for all necessary forms of energy, mining, and infrastructure.

In closing, the Executive Secretary of Arpel mentioned as best practices having a clear State policy, making environmental permitting processes more efficient, strengthening regional integration systems, and improving public-private cooperation.

The panel also included Jassim Alshirawi, Secretary General of IEF; Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO; Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO of WEC; NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber; Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of ARDA; and Husein Safar, Board Member of the Libyan NOC.

Watch the Arpel Executive Secretary's speech at the 9th OPEC Seminar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLPzqeZHnt0