Energy has evolved beyond being merely a technical issue; today, it is intrinsically linked to geopolitics, security, competitiveness, and the relationships between nations.
Against this backdrop, the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), in partnership with the Institute of International Studies of the University of Chile, has launched the third cohort of the 2026 Diploma in Regional Integration and Energy Diplomacy.
The program brings together 57 professionals, primarily from Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Ministries of Energy, and other public institutions across 22 countries in the region.
Andrés Rebolledo, Executive Secretary of OLACDE, emphasized that recent global developments have heightened the importance of energy diplomacy and underscored the need to approach energy from a broader perspective. “Energy governance is multifaceted,” Rebolledo stated, noting that it encompasses technical, environmental, and technological aspects, as well as productive transformation, public policy, and geopolitical dynamics.
He also highlighted that the diploma aims not only to provide specialized knowledge but also to foster regional networks, encourage the exchange of experiences, and deepen participants’ understanding of the diverse energy realities across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Bringing Countries Together Beyond Power Grids
During his opening remarks, Rodrigo Rodríguez, Panama’s Secretary of Energy, stressed that energy has become essential for competitiveness, security, social development, and international cooperation. “Energy diplomacy serves as a strategic tool to strengthen regional relationships, facilitate dialogue, and build joint solutions,” he said.
Rodríguez pointed to the future Panama–Colombia electricity interconnection project as a clear example. The initiative, spanning approximately 500 kilometers with an estimated exchange capacity of 400 MW, has the potential to become a strategic link between the Central and South American electricity markets. However, he cautioned that infrastructure alone does not guarantee true integration. Harmonizing regulations, establishing appropriate agreements, and addressing environmental and social dimensions are equally necessary to ensure that local communities benefit from these initiatives.
Gloria Alvarenga, OLACDE’s Director of Energy Integration, Access and Energy Security, emphasized that the program seeks to cultivate a comprehensive perspective that enables participants to return to their respective countries equipped with stronger tools to advance their national energy agendas.
Ricardo Gamboa, Deputy Director of the Institute of International Studies at the University of Chile, highlighted the unique value of bringing together professionals from different institutions across 22 countries, enabling participants to complement their academic learning with a rich exchange of regional experiences.
A particularly noteworthy feature of this third cohort is its gender-balanced composition: half of the enrolled professionals are women. This reflects OLACDE’s commitment to promoting gender equality, strengthening inclusion, and creating greater opportunities for women to contribute to public policymaking, regional integration, and the strategic decision-making that will shape the future of the region’s energy sector.
Through this third edition of the diploma, OLACDE and the University of Chile continue to strengthen a regional training platform designed to prepare professionals to understand and manage an increasingly evident reality: in today’s global context, energy is also shaped through diplomacy.
