On October 3, 2024, an event entitled “Energy, Biofuels, Water and Agroindustry: Charting Sustainable Routes between Europe and Latin America towards a Climate Neutral Economy” was held at the European Parliament headquarters in Brussels. This meeting was organized by the United Nations Sustainable Energy and Water Solutions Network, in collaboration with UNALA (Unión de Azucareros de Latinoamérica), and with the support of Dolors Montserrat, Vice-President of the European People’s Party.
Moderated by Mr. José Orive, Executive Director of the International Sugar Organization (ISO), the event brought together public and private sector leaders to discuss key issues in global sustainability, focusing on the axes of water, energy and agribusiness.
Opening
The day began with welcoming remarks by Dolors Montserrat, who stressed the importance of cooperation between Europe and Latin America in the search for sustainable solutions to climate challenges.
Global initiatives
The first session of the event was attended by Nadine Salame, from the Secretariat of the United Nations Sustainable Energy and Water Solutions Network, and Aiping Chen, Special Assistant to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Good practices in the public sector
The public sector also had a prominent space during the event, with the participation of several government representatives who shared their perspectives on sustainable development. Speakers included Carmen Crespo, Member of the European Parliament and former Minister of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development of Andalusia; Mariano González, CEO of Canal de Isabel II in Madrid; and Cristina Lobillo Borrero, from the European Commission’s Directorate General for Energy, who contributed to the discussion on the challenges and opportunities in their respective areas of work.
Private sector best practices
The second part of the discussion focused on best practices from the private sector. Representatives from organizations such as UNICA (Brazilian Sugarcane Industry and Bioenergy Association), ePure (European Renewable Ethanol Association) and IATA (International Air Transport Association) participated. These speakers addressed the role of the private sector in the transition to a cleaner economy and highlighted the use of biofuels, new technologies and the reduction of emissions in key sectors such as transportation and energy.
Closing
The event concluded with closing remarks by Paloma Martín, Vice President of the Spanish Senate’s Ecological Transition Committee, and Dirk Gotink, Member of the European Parliament. Closing remarks were made by Alfredo Vila, president of UNALA, who highlighted the efforts of agribusiness in favor of sustainable production, citing as an example that 44% of the electricity generated during the dry season in Guatemala comes from sugarcane.
This event was a clear example of how collaboration between the public and private sectors, both in Europe and Latin America, is essential to move towards an energy transition, boost the circular economy and contribute to meeting global sustainable development goals.