The Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Chile (FEN UCHILE) hosted, on September 29, 2025, the First Youth Energy Forum of Latin America and the Caribbean, held within the framework of the X Energy Week.
Energy innovation, energy policies, and international cooperation were among the key topics addressed at this inaugural event, promoted by the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy of Chile and the University of Chile.
The gathering, which brought together young people from across the region, opened with remarks by Chile’s Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow, who stated that “the energy transition is, essentially, a change in the way we produce energy,” adding that Chile has achieved significant progress in this area, “representing an opportunity we must know how to seize.”
Aimed at young people from the age of 15 and organizations interested in the energy sector, the forum sought to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future by generating a space for dialogue on the main energy challenges faced by youth, while promoting the creation of collaborative networks focused on sustainable projects.
OLADE’s Executive Secretary, Andrés Rebolledo, congratulated the young participants for their efforts and emphasized “the importance of discussing what our challenges are and why it is vital to maintain this conversation. Listening to young voices is a priority to advance the regional energy agenda.”
Anahí Urquiza, Director of Innovation at the University of Chile, remarked that “we are very happy to host this dialogue among different actors, and proud to build this collaboratively with youth organizations committed to addressing climate change and advancing the energy transition.”
José de Gregorio, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, noted that “it is very positive that young people begin to think about our future with open minds, as we face many challenges ahead.”
The event continued with the keynote lecture “Young Voices: The Transformation of Latin America and the Caribbean,” delivered by Georgina Núñez, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) of the Organization of American States (OAS).
Throughout the day, several thematic panels were held addressing the main challenges and opportunities in the energy sector:
“Ideas that Ignite the Future: Youth Leading the Energy Transition”, featuring Catalina Sandoval (Reborn, Chile), Larissa Sierra (UNDP, Honduras), Jeffrey Núñez (Dominican Republic), and Guillermo Largo (Ecuador).
“Innovation in Just Transitions: How Do We Build Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Systems?”, with Dasla Pando (Energy Center UCHILE), Williams Quiroga (IP CFT Santo Tomás), Esteban Van Dam (500 RPM, Argentina), and Constanza Levicán (Suncast, Chile).
“Transition for Whom? Energy Justice in Dispute”, with Natalia Mapua (Aianca pela Governança Energética, Brazil), Josefina Guacte (Wecheche Ka Itrofillmongeen, Chile), Yanderi Pausayu (Colombia), Everilda Pérez (Guatemala), and Sebastián Orellana (Red de Pobreza Energética, Chile).
“Regional and International Collaboration: Strategic Alliances for the Future”, featuring Jopyce Méndez (OLADE & Youth Climate Justice Fund), Mikaelle Farías (COP30, Brazil), Laura Restrepo (Colombia), and Valentina Lincaqueo (OLADE, Chile).
Among the participants, Guillermo David Largo from Quito, Ecuador, highlighted that “this dialogue space is very important as it allows us to diversify perspectives on the various energy matrices across our nations. We are seeking collective solutions that contribute to the development of each of our countries.”
Mikaelle Farías, from Brazil, added that “when we talk about energy, we need young people from all backgrounds to build diversified development that incorporates multiple perspectives and is truly inclusive.”
The closing keynote, “Geopolitics of Energy in the 21st Century,” was delivered by Astrid Cazalbón, from the Latin American Observatory on Energy Geopolitics (OLAGE) at the Federal University for Latin American Integration (UNILA), followed by remarks from Gloria Alvarenga, OLADE’s Director of Integration, Access and Energy Security, who emphasized OLADE’s commitment to youth leadership in the regional energy agenda.
The initiative, which also involved CLG Chile, Youth4Energy, CEUS Chile, OLAGE, and ONG Uno.Cinco, took place as part of the X Energy Week, organized by OLADE’s 27 Member Countries in collaboration with companies, academia, international agencies, and civil society.
