H. M. THE KING OF SPAIN JUAN CARLOS I VALUES THE 19TH WORLD PETROLEUM CONGRESS AS "AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN USEFUL CONCLUSIONS".

June 30th 2008

• The most important forum of the oil industry brings together
the main protagonists of the sector on a global basis.
• The challenge of sustainability will be the main theme of this
Congress.
• After the ceremony the Excellence Awards took place.

The Congress has been inaugurated this morning by H. M. the King of Spain Juan Carlos I. This is the first time that Spain hosts the most important forum of the oil industry, thanks to the relevance that the Spanish oil industry has gathered and the growing protagonism of hydrocarbon companies of the country.

The act was opened by the Mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruíz Gallardón, who stated his gratitude for the fact that Madrid was elected as the host city for such an important event. He also highlighted the infrastructures and innovations carried out in the Spanish capital city that relate to the energy sector, and that are in accordance to sustainable policies.

Antonio Brufau, Chairman & CEO of Repsol YPF, stated that “it is an honour to host this event in our country”, and added that “this is an international recognition for the Spanish oil industry from an international perspective.”

Other participants of the inaugural act were Randall Gossen, President of the WPC (World Petroleum Council), who presented the excellence awards; Jorge Segrelles, President of the Spanish Organising Committee; Andris Pieblags, European Energy Commissioner; Miguel Sebastián, Minister of Industry, Turismo, and Commerce of Spain; Esperanza Aguirre, President of the Region of Madrid, and H. M. the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I closed the ceremony.

Social Responsibility: Real awareness and commitment

The topics of the presentations focused on the importance of the adequate management of oil reserves, highlighting the theme of sustainability. In words of the Minister of Industry: “This Congress should serve as a forum to offer intelligent solutions to a complex problem.” On the other hand, the Spanish monarch valued the Congress as a “great opportunity to extract conclusions that will be useful for all of us.”

The industry is aware of its responsibility as the key economic global sector that it is, as well as the impact the industry’s activity causes on society and the environment.

Industry and Young Professionals

One of the issues that this Congress stresses is the future of the industry, taken from the point of view of the young professionals. That is why this edition includes, for the first time, the active participation of young professionals and students, that will be the relay of the current generation of professionals. A grant programme will give the opportunity to fifty students from around the world to attend the Congress, without any cost.

For them, the Spanish Organising Committee has designed a specific programme in which tailored events have been organised, which include a stand, a Special Session (Youth Forum) and a Youth Party, making the 19th World Petroleum Congress an essential meeting point for students and young professionals of the sector.

However, the future of the industry does not only include the focus on the role of young professionals, but it also considers the retaining, promotion and inclusion of female talent. One of the Special Sessions will be dedicated solely to this theme, with the aim of analysing the evermore relevant role of women and their role in the future.