Closing Ceremony

Closing Plenary "Economics and Geopolitics of Energy: Latin America and the Caribbean in a Changing World".

Co-organized with OLACDE

• H.E. Ximena Rincón Minister of Energy of Chile

• Andrés Rebolledo Executive Secretary, Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE)

Description 

The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) and the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) co-organize this high-level ministerial dialogue,

positioning Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) not just as participants but as a global energy solutions hub. With one of the cleanest electricity matrices in the world and vast reserves of critical minerals and green hydrogen potential, the region is a vital bridge for interregional cooperation.

As the world navigates a changing landscape marked by trade tensions and supply chain realignments, LAC has become a strategic geopolitical anchor. This dialogue explores the region's role in global energy security and as an emerging leader in economic resilience. Energy transitions are redefining the international landscape: the shift toward renewable electricity and away from long-distance fossil fuel trade is creating new patterns of energy regionalization. At the same time, critical materials and minerals supply chains are increasingly concentrated in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

The session addresses three strategic dimensions: the regionalization of energy trade as the world transitions away from oil, gas, and coal; the economics and geopolitics of critical minerals and green molecules in diversifying global supply chains and energy prices; and geopolitical resilience through renewable energy as LAC balances strategic partnerships with other regions. By bridging the gap between resource-rich nations and global capital, this ministerial dialogue examines how LAC can turn its competitive advantages into long-term prosperity, fostering interregional partnerships that stabilize global markets and accelerate a just, sustainable transition.

The Closing Plenary synthesizes conference discussions through a regional perspective, reinforcing Latin America and the Caribbean's voice and strategic positioning in global energy debates at a pivotal moment when the region's energy model can contribute to climate change mitigation while ensuring a reliable energy supply, fostering employment, and improving quality of life.

The session addresses three strategic dimensions: the regionalization of energy trade as the world transitions away from oil, gas, and coal; the economics and geopolitics of critical minerals and green molecules in diversifying global supply chains and energy prices; and geopolitical resilience through renewable energy as LAC balances strategic partnerships

with other regions. By bridging the gap between resource-rich nations and global capital, this ministerial dialogue examines how LAC can turn its competitive advantages into long-term prosperity, fostering interregional partnerships that stabilize global markets and accelerate a just, sustainable transition.

The Closing Plenary synthesizes conference discussions through a regional perspective, reinforcing Latin America and the Caribbean's voice and strategic positioning in global energy debates at a pivotal moment when the region's energy model can contribute to climate change mitigation while ensuring a reliable energy supply, fostering employment, and improving quality of life.

Guiding questions / Intended takeaway

What strategic choices will shape Latin America and the Caribbean's role as a global energy solution hub in the coming decades-particularly in critical minerals, clean electricity, and green hydrogen-and how can the region leverage its position as a provider of global energy security to translate competitive advantages into long-term prosperity through interregional partnerships that align regional development priorities with broader economic, security, and sustainability objectives?