This year marked the first time in its history that Arpel co-organized an official side event at COP30, titled “Just Transition and Adaptation: A Global Business Dialogue”, together with Ipieca and the United States Council for International Business (USCIB).

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the United Nations’ largest global event for discussions and negotiations on climate change. Brazil hosted the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30), held in Belém from 10 to 21 November.

The side event organized by Arpel, Ipieca and USCIB, held on 12 November, focused on adaptation and just transition — central themes of the global climate agenda. The session provided an opportunity to examine progress toward the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and the UAE Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP), on the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement.

Key messages and takeaways included:
• The energy transition and climate adaptation require cooperation across sectors and regions.
• The private sector can lead through innovation, community engagement and the development of green skills.
• Measuring progress through clear indicators and promoting social dialogue are essential to ensuring an equitable transition.
• Public and private policies must be complementary, enabling resilience and economic growth.
• Arpel’s work as a regional leader in energy justice and innovation was highlighted.

Arpel was represented by Irene Alfaro, Senior Managing Director, who leads the Association’s Energy Transitions Committee.

The activity featured contributions from Agnes Vinblad (USCIB); Mariam Allam (UNFCCC); Isabel Miranda (Ipieca); Justine Garret (IEA); Emilio La Rovere (UFRJ); and Robert Marinkovic (IOE).

Additionally, on Friday 14 November, Arpel participated in another key activity held during COP30, organized by the Brazilian Institute of Oil, Gas and Biofuels (IBP). On this occasion, Alfaro joined the panel of the side event “Energy Evolution: How Global Oil & Gas Organizations Are Aligning with the Paris Agreement.”

The panel brought together leaders from global associations and companies to present concrete actions the industry is implementing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance progress toward the goals of the Paris Agreement. During the session, participants highlighted the importance of collaboration among organizations to accelerate the energy transition and ensure a more sustainable future.

“This gathering reflects the sector’s determination to work jointly, sharing experiences and best practices to address the climate challenge and ensure a responsible energy supply,” Alfaro stated during COP30.

The IBP-organized side event was moderated by Roberto Furian Ardenghy (IBP), with panelists Lorena Perez Bajo (Ipieca), Faye Gerard (IOGP), Bjørn Otto Sverdrup (OGCI), Chris Birdsall (ExxonMobil), and Irene Alfaro representing Arpel.