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.<\/p>\n
Energy innovation, energy policies, and international cooperation were among the key topics addressed at this inaugural event, promoted by The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy of Chile and the University of Chile.<\/p>\n
The gathering, which brought together young people from across the region, opened with remarks by Chile\u2019s Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow, who stated that \u201cthe energy transition is, essentially, a change in the way we produce energy,\u201d adding that Chile has achieved significant progress in this area, \u201crepresenting an opportunity we must know how to seize.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
OLACDE\u2019s Executive Secretary, Andr\u00e9s Rebolledo, congratulated the young participants for their efforts and emphasized \u201cthe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anah\u00ed Urquiza, Director of Innovation at the University of Chile, remarked that \u201cwe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jos\u00e9 de Gregorio, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, noted that \u201cit is very positive that young people begin to think about our future with open minds, as we face many challenges ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event continued with the keynote lecture \u201cYoung Voices: The Transformation of Latin America and the Caribbean,\u201d delivered by Georgina N\u00fa\u00f1ez, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) of the Organization of American States (OAS).<\/p>\n
Throughout the day, several thematic panels were held addressing the main challenges and opportunities in the energy sector:<\/p>\n
\u201cIdeas that Ignite the Future: Youth Leading the Energy Transition\u201d, featuring Catalina Sandoval (Reborn, Chile), Larissa Sierra (UNDP, Honduras), Jeffrey N\u00fa\u00f1ez (Dominican Republic), and Guillermo Largo (Ecuador).<\/p>\n
\u201cInnovation in Just Transitions: How Do We Build Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Systems?\u201d, with Dasla Pando (Energy Center UCHILE), Williams Quiroga (IP CFT Santo Tom\u00e1s), Esteban Van Dam (500 RPM, Argentina), and Constanza Levic\u00e1n (Suncast, Chile).<\/p>\n
\u201cTransition for Whom? Energy Justice in Dispute\u201d, with Natalia Mapua (Aianca pela Governan\u00e7a Energ\u00e9tica, Brazil), Josefina Guacte (Wecheche Ka Itrofillmongeen, Chile), Yanderi Pausayu (Colombia), Everilda P\u00e9rez (Guatemala), and Sebasti\u00e1n Orellana (Red de Pobreza Energ\u00e9tica, Chile).<\/p>\n
\u201cRegional and International Collaboration: Strategic Alliances for the Future\u201d, featuring Jopyce M\u00e9ndez (OLACDE & Youth Climate Justice Fund), Mikaelle Far\u00edas (COP30, Brazil), Laura Restrepo (Colombia), and Valentina Lincaqueo (OLACDE, Chile).<\/p>\n
Among the participants, Guillermo David Largo from Quito, Ecuador, highlighted that \u201cthis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mikaelle Far\u00edas, from Brazil, added that \u201cwhen we talk about energy, we need young people from all backgrounds to build diversified development that incorporates multiple perspectives and is truly inclusive.\u201d<\/p>\n
The closing keynote, \u201cGeopolitics of Energy in the 21st Century,\u201d was delivered by Astrid Cazalb\u00f3n, from the Latin American Observatory on Energy Geopolitics (OLAGE) at the Federal University for Latin American Integration (UNILA), followed by remarks from Gloria Alvarenga, OLACDE\u2019s Director of Integration, Access and Energy Security, who emphasized OLACDE\u2019s commitment to youth leadership in the regional energy agenda.<\/p>\n
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 OLACDE\u2019s 27 Member Countries in collaboration with companies, academia, international agencies, and civil society.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Young leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean gathered at the University of Chile to discuss innovation, energy justice, and regional cooperation toward a sustainable transition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":31378,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[252,26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31380","noticias","type-noticias","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n