The World Climate Summit is part of initiatives aimed at achieving key results aligned with the impact framework of the Foundation for COP29, guiding the world toward a 1.5 °C pathway. This event featured over 50 parallel activities, workshops, and round tables, as well as an exhibition of climate solutions and an immersive Climate Action stage, where The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) was represented by its Executive Secretary, Andrés Rebolledo.
This event served as a meeting point for key stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations and accredited observers of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Firstly, OLACDE participated in the Sustainable Development Impact Summit of the World Economic Forum, where global and regional leaders discussed investment and job creation opportunities in the energy sector. Rebolledo highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector in the region: “Latin America and the Caribbean are one of the greenest regions in the world in terms of electricity generation from renewable energies, reaching 31% of its energy matrix, a figure higher than the global average of 14%.” However, he warned that the challenge is to continue advancing in this direction. Currently, only 30% of hydropower potential, 10% of wind, and just 1% of solar have been utilized.
This forum emphasized the promotion of sustainable and inclusive economic models, exploring initiatives that drive technological development and environmental resilience.
The Executive Secretary also participated in the high-level event “Energy Transition Dialogue,” organized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and supported by the UNFCCC Secretariat. This dialogue was held in preparation for COP29 and brought together global leaders in energy and climate decisions, aiming to build consensus and define the necessary actions for achieving just and equitable transitions aligned with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.
The dialogue focused on how COP29 can advance solutions that convert energy outcomes into concrete actions. In particular, it spotlighted “Turning Methane Pledges into Action,” discussing strategies for reducing methane emissions in the energy sector. Rebolledo emphasized the crucial role of regional cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean to drive the energy transition and meet methane emission reduction targets, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration to address this challenge. He also referred to the “Methane Observatory in LAC,” which is currently under development.
