In an interview, IBP general secretary Milton Costa Filho highlights the news of the biggest O & G event in Latin America, surfing the wave of optimism in the sector and bringing activities to all interests - from discussions on gender equality in industry to the leading role of technology - and the inauguration of UnibP, the first university in the oil, gas and biofuels sector, to be officially launched at Rio Oil & Gas.

What market changes will be reflected in the event schedule?

We seek to bring a reflection on transformations that are already part of our market and permeate our day-to-day life. Technology, for example, has gone from supporting to the main actress in our discussions, so much so that this year, one of the novelties was precisely a whole bloc of discussions dedicated to digital technologies, with the same importance of topics as Downstream, Upstream, Gas and Energy, Supply and Industry Management.

In addition, we also have a debate on gender diversity in the oil and gas industry, both in congress and in parallel programming, showing that the sector is in tune with the demands of society.

In the 2016 edition, the context was marked by the reduction of industry activities, avoidance of investments, drop in revenues and unemployment. What were the challenges in organizing the 2018 edition?

The challenge was precisely to carry out an event that was bigger than the 2016 edition, marked by the crisis, and that reflected the moment of recovery of our industry, with the resumption of investments, rounds and discussions on regulatory milestones. And I think we have achieved this, because, in addition to the high level of programming, we could see the return of some representative companies that were not present in 2016, such as BP, ExxonMobil, Equinor, Repsol Sinopec and Chevron, for example, and the presence of new companies. This proves that there is confidence in the future of the industry.

From upstream to downstream, the industry is very diverse in relation to the needs of its agents. How to guarantee that all the agents of the chain had their interests contemplated in the event?

The congressional discussions will be divided into five pillars: E & P, Supply, Gas and Energy, Industry Management and Digital Technologies. We will also have ten side events - in addition to mini courses and lectures at company stands - which will give the participant the opportunity to choose a menu with themes that best meet their interests. It's as if each one could create their own Rio Oil & Gas.

How does UnibP differ from the courses offered by IBP?

UnibP is the first and only university in the oil, gas and biofuels sector. With this, we are moving from a traditional training model to an initiative that will develop the essential skills of our industry professional. We are still going to offer single courses, but the idea is that the student or professional has access to a continuous learning, with its own methodology, to trace its career path in line with the needs of the market.

For which professional profile is UnibP focused?

The university is open to all professionals who act or wish to work in the industry. The portfolio ranges from more technical courses to those with a management profile, focused on leadership.

What impact will UnibP have on the oil and gas sector?

The knowledge disseminated by a sectoral university is not thought according to the culture of a particular institution, but with the needs of a specific segment. So we hope to help the industry have more and more professionals ready to deal with the needs and particulars of this highly competitive oil and gas industry regardless of position. We have several partners - universities and technology companies - to ensure capillarity and knowledge on all fronts.