National Oil Companies and Just Transition: Perspectives from Oil-Producing Regions in Latin America

The event was held in Spanish, with simultaneous interpretation available in English

This webinar brought together speakers who work in oil and gas-producing regions in Latin America to discuss how to advance just and inclusive energy transitions, particularly in contexts where national oil companies (NOCs) play a central role.

In Latin America, NOCs are responsible for much of the region’s hydrocarbon production and are key to planning and implementing a responsible phase-out that considers the context of national economies and local communities. Beyond revenues and jobs, in many regions these companies also provide essential services like health, education, and basic infrastructure — a role often overlooked in national debates. 

As the global debate on energy transition progresses, oil and gas producing countries face the challenge of rethinking their development models. However, in many cases, those who experience the impacts of this transformation most directly —women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and informal workers— are often left out of decision-making processes.

The webinar explored the role of NOCs in enabling a just transition in producing regions, addressing questions such as:

• What responsibilities do they have toward the local areas where they operate?
• What role should they play in ensuring that transitions benefit local communities?
• How can they contribute to more equitable and sustainable economic transformation?
• And in a world that demands less oil and gas, what local benefits could be lost?

Speakers:

• Ana Carolina González Espinosa, Senior Director of Programs, NRGI
• Katya Puga Cornejo, Director of Energy, México Sostenible
• Cássio Carvalho, Policy Advisor, Instituto Estudios Socioeconómicos (INESC), Brasil

This event was organized during Climate Week NYC.