While the international geopolitical landscape and global energy markets are going through a period of marked volatility, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is demonstrating its unity in facing this uncertainty. Over the past two days, the 65th session of the Board of Experts of the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) was held in this capital, marking a historic milestone as the first time Belize has hosted this high-level regional forum, in the context of its presidency.
The meeting, which saw active and committed participation from delegations of Latin American and Caribbean countries, carries fundamental political and technical significance. This forum is responsible for formulating the proposals and strategic decisions that will guide the upcoming Ministerial Meeting, to be held in October of this year in the Dominican Republic.
The opening and conduct of the sessions were led by the Chair of the Board, held by Belize’s Minister of Energy, Michel Chebat, together with OLACDE’s Executive Secretary, Andrés Rebolledo. Both emphasized that the central theme shared by member countries was the urgency of deepening regional energy integration, especially in light of recent price shocks, supply challenges and global uncertainty.
Over the two days of work, delegations held forward-looking discussions on the future of the region’s energy development, prioritizing resilience, energy security and sustainable socioeconomic development.
The agenda of the future: Artificial Intelligence, Circular Economy and Inclusion
The forum addressed issues crucial to the evolution of the sector, closely tied to technological change and social inclusion. Key points included:
• Artificial intelligence and digitalization applied to energy.
Circular economy in the energy sector.
Electrification of new forms of consumption and the energy transition.
Social inclusion, gender equity and the active participation of young people in the sector.
Belize: Epicenter of regional integration
The choice of Belize City as the host city underscores the strategic weight and distinct agenda of the Central American and Caribbean nations, reaffirming OLACDE’s commitment to an inclusive and representative approach to integration. Belize is currently positioning itself as a dynamic model on its path toward decarbonization, covering a significant share of its domestic electricity demand through local renewable sources—such as hydropower and biomass—complemented by cross-border trade.
The country is moving decisively forward with the modernization of its grid through the design of its National Electricity Matrix Master Plan, driving public-private investment in large-scale energy storage and solar generation. Its geographic location is key to boosting two-way energy trade and strengthening supply resilience for both the Central American isthmus and the Caribbean, serving as a strategic connector that supports the organization’s shared goals.
