march, 15 2024
GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN LIMA, PERU
Last Friday, March 15, UNALA’s General Assembly was held in the city of Lima (Peru), with the participation of representatives from member countries throughout the region. During the meeting, topics of great interest for the Latin American sugar agribusiness were discussed and FENAZÚCAR of Ecuador was welcomed as a new member. UNALA’s Board of Directors was also reelected for the period 2024 – 2026.
MARCH, 14 2024
Sugarcane Agribusiness as a Driver of Development Event
On March 14, the international event “Sugarcane Agribusiness as a Driver of Development” was held in Lima, Peru. The event was attended by government officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Peru, members of UNALA and the media. The event focused on the importance of the sector for the economic development and decarbonization of the region.
MARCH, 11 2024
DUE DILIGENCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS PRESENTATION
On March 11, Mr. Mika Kanervavouri, who serves as Representative in Guatemala of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, gave a presentation on the nature of the guiding principles in the area of business and human rights, identifying their fundamental pillars and detailing the modalities of their implementation by private sector entities. In addition, he presented on the relationship of these principles with regulations such as the European Union’s due diligence.
MARCH, 8 2024
ARGENTINA FRONT LABELING PRESENTATION
On March 8, representatives of the Argentine Sugar Center and the Ledesma Group presented to UNALA members detailed information on Argentina’s experience in the application of front-end warning labeling. The present status of this measure, its impact in Mercosur and the expectations for its future development were presented.
FEBRUARY, 28 2024
PRESENTATION OF ETHANOL POSSIBILITIES FOR THE REGION
On February 28, Agustín Torroba, IICA’s International Biofuels and Renewable Energy Specialist, gave a presentation to UNALA members on the current status and future opportunities for the use of biofuels in the region.
december, 5 2023
Event organization at COP 28
Today we organized, together with Canal de Isabel II, Secretaria de Meio Ambiente, Infraestrutura e Logística do Estado de São Paulo and UN Climate Change, an event at the SDG Pavilion at COP 28, where we discussed the importance of the private and public sector in the fight against climate change and their contributions to the implementation of the SDGs. In addition, the importance of forging strong partnerships that foster continuous dialogue, promoting active collaboration to address emerging challenges and move towards a more sustainable future was highlighted.
december, 4 2023
UNALA's participation in COP 28
Today, our president, Alfredo Vila and our executive president, Luis Miguel Paiz participated in different presentations and conversations at COP 28. In them, they showed the work and efforts made by all members of UNALA. In addition, we had the pleasure to meet and talk with Li Junhua, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
november, 28 2023
The third episode of our podcast, Generating Energy and Development is now available
The third episode titled “Contribution of the Mexican sugar agroindustry to the development of communities” is now available on YouTube, in which we interview the executive president of the National Chamber of Sugar and Alcohol Industry of Mexico, Humberto Jasso. In it, we talked about the contribution that the sugar agroindustry makes to the social development of communities, as well as the current and future situation of the sector.
november, 28 2023
PARTICIPATION OF ASAZGUA, CAEI AND INGENIO PROVIDENCIA IN THE 32ND ISO INTERNATIONAL SUGAR SEMINAR
On November 28, ASAZGUA, CAEI and Ingenio Providencia participated in the 32nd International Sugar Seminar of the International Sugar Organization. In this event, they shared about the work of their organizations, addressing aspects such as sustainability, green energy, portfolio diversification and increasing the efficiency of operations.
november, 13 2023
The second episode of our podcast, Generating Energy and Development is now available
The second episode titled “Azúcar con Balance, the Colombian strategy to educate about this food” is now available on YouTube, in which we interview the president of Asocaña, Claudia Calero. In it, we talked about the role and importance of sugar as part of a balanced diet, and also about the current situation of the sector in Colombia.
october, 26 2023
Generating energy and development podcast on spotify
On October 26, we launched our Generating Energy and Development podcast on Spotify. It features interviews with industry leaders and information about the world of sugar agribusiness and its contributions to sustainable development.
october, 25 2023
Generating energy and development podcast on youtube
On October 25, we launched our Generating Energy and Development podcast on YouTube. It features interviews with industry leaders and information about the world of sugar agribusiness and its contributions to sustainable development.
We invite you to follow our account @somosunala
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
On September 28 and 29, UNALA’s Executive Committee met in Panama City to develop the organization’s strategic plan for the year 2024. Objectives and key performance indicators were established.
August 31, 2023
uNALA'S participation in the II International biofuels symposium
On August 30 and 31, the II International Biofuels Symposium was held in Mexico City under the slogan Biofuels Public Policies in Mesoamerica for Sustainable Energy Transition. Luis Fernando Salazar participated in the meeting on behalf of UNALA. There he moderated the round table on “National Plans/Public Policies for the consumption of liquid biofuels”. In this session, representatives from Central America and the Dominican Republic shared details on how public policies on biofuels are being developed.
August 25, 2023
uNALA'S SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE visited CALI, COLOMBIA
From August 23 to 25, UNALA’s Sustainability Committee visited Cali, Colombia. During the visit, the group had the opportunity to exchange experiences and knowledge on strategic sustainability issues, portfolio diversification, and agricultural machinery, among others.
july 14, 2023
unala's participation in Un High level political forum
On July 14, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the side event of the High Level Political Forum entitled “Integrated water and energy solutions that support sustainable cities and communities” took place. During this event, Edgar Herrera, Executive Director of the Sugar Cane Industrial Agricultural League (LAICA), participated as a speaker on behalf of UNALA. Andrea Bolaños Coloma, Sustainability Manager of the Sugarcane Growers Association of Guatemala, also participated as a speaker. Both had the opportunity to share the work that the sugar agribusiness in Costa Rica and Guatemala are doing in favor of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
june 30, 2023
Pan-American Biofuels Coalition Conference
On June 30, we participated in the Pan-American Biofuels Coalition Conference held at the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange. During the meeting there were important presentations and discussions on the role of biofuels in the region and the development opportunities they offer for the Americas, both in the land and aviation sectors, within the Energy Transition underway globally.
june 14, 2023
UNALA's sUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING
On June 14, the second meeting of UNALA’s Sustainability Committee was held. The progress made in the annual strategic plan was presented. It also discussed the actions to be carried out during the second half of 2023.
june 1, 2023
Presentation on sweeteners by The Sugar Association
On June 1st, The Sugar Association shared with UNALA members about the regulatory situation of sweeteners in the United States. Participants were able to learn more about this circumstance. The presentation was given by Campbell Shuford and Andrew Fisk.
MAY 2, 2023
UNALA'S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN PRESENTATION
On May 2nd we had the opportunity to present our Sustainable Development Action Plan at the West Terrace in United Nations headquarters in New York. The event had the interventions of Mr. Alfredo Vila (President of UNALA and of the Association of Sugar Producers of Guatemala – ASAZGUA) Miguel Paiz (General Manager ASAZGUA) and Minoru Takada (Team Leader of Energy in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affair).
April 25, 2023
LAICA presentation of VIvE improvement program
On April 25, we had a presentation by the Sustainability Manager of LAICA in which she shared details about pilot audits with the VIVE Improvement Program in Costa Rica.
MARCH 31, 2023
UNALA'S PARTICIPATION IN Costa rican ethanol talks
On March 31, we participated in the Ethanol Talks held at the headquarters of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in San José, Costa Rica. It was discussed about how the use of ethanol is part of the solution to sustainable mobility. Representatives of our members; LAICA, UNICA and Azucalpa participated in the different panels carried out and shared their experiences and knowledge on the matter.
MARCH 30, 2023
UNALA'S PARTICIPATION IN Pan American Liquid Biofuels Coalition
On March 30, we attended the first meeting of the Pan American Liquid Biofuels Coalition at the headquarters of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in San José, Costa Rica. We signed the constitutive act for the formation of the coalition. In addition, the members of UNALA: UNICA, LAICA and the Argentine Sugar Center participated in this important event that begins the articulation of efforts between various actors.
MARCH 23, 2023
UNALA'S PARTICIPATION IN UNITED NATIONS WATER CONFERENCE
During 2023 United Nations Water Conference, ASAZGUA and the National Chamber of Sugar and Alcohol Industry of Mexico, as part of UNALA, participated as panelists with presentations in which they shared the efforts of the Guatemalan and Mexican Sugar Agroindustry in favor of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Water).
MARCH 10, 2023
2023 unala's general assembly
On March 10, the General Assembly of UNALA was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In it was discussed about the different actions and experiences that all UNALA’s members carried out to date and will carry out in the course of this year. Additionally, AZUCALPA was introduced to the rest of the members as a new member.
MARCH 2, 2023
ASAZGUA'S SUSTAINABILITY UNION REPORT AND CASE STUDIES PRESENTATION EVENT
The Association of Sugar Producers of Guatemala -ASAZGUA- presented its GRI Sustainability Union Report and the Case Studies on the contribution of the Guatemalan Sugar Agroindustry to the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
February 23, 2023
unala's PARTICIPATION IN UNDESA's workshop
On February 23 and 24, 2023, UNALA presented at the Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the reason why the sugar agroindustry in Latin America is an example of circular economy.
February 15, 2023
unala's 2023 Renewable Energy and co-products Agenda
On February 15, 2023, the annual strategy for the axis of renewable energies and co-products was shared with the members of UNALA and other guests. In addition, UNICA presented its annual international planning.
JANUARY 26, 2023
AZUCALPA, NEW unala member
On January 2023, the Association of Sugars and Alcohols of Panama became a new member of UNALA. We welcome our Panamanian colleagues to the organization.
JANUARY 24, 2023
UNALA's 2023 Sustainability agenda
On January 24, the 2023 sustainabilty agenda was presented to all UNALA’s members. This document describes each of the actions to be developed during the present year.
JANUARY 13, 2023
UNICA'S PARTICIPATION IN AUTO EXPO 2023 IN INDIA
UNICA participated in the AutoExpo23 held in India. Here they explained how ethanol is the biofuel of the future and part of the solution for sustainable mobility.
DECEMBER 14, 2022
UNALA's 2022 WORK REPORT
On December 14, the 2022 work report was presented to all UNALA members. During the presentation all the efforts and actions carried out by UNALA throughout the year in the different areas of work were presented.
November 23, 2022
UNALA's participation in ISO Annual Seminar
The President of UNALA, Alfredo Vila, shared at the ISO Annual Seminar about the work that UNALA and its members have done in favor of the development and sustainability of the Latin American sugar agro-industry.
November 23, 2022
ASAZGUA's participation in ISO Annual Seminar
The General Manager of ASAZGUA, Luis Miguel Paiz, presented on November 23 at the ISO Annual Seminar about how the participation of the Guatemalan Sugar Agroindustry in UNDESA’s Water and Energy Network has been.
october 19, 2022
unala's participation in bonsucro global week
During the Bonsucro Global Week, held in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil between October 17 and 20, UNALA presented the work it is doing in partnership with the Government of the State of São Paulo, and the opportunities there are to expand the “Greener Ethanol” Protocol in Latin America.
october 14, 2022
Executive Committee meeting
On October 13 and 14, the Executive Committee of UNALA met in São Paulo, Brazil, to discuss the work axes of the organization, and to establish the strategic objectives and KPI’s for 2023.
september 22, 2022
unala's seminar on european green deal
On September 22, 2022, UNALA had the opportunity to hold a seminar on the European Green Deal and how it represents challenges and opportunities for the Latin American sugar agro-industry. The speakers at this seminar were the Director of the Private Institute for Climate Change Research, Dr. Alex Guerra Noriega, and the General Director of the COPADE Foundation, Javier Fernández.
AUGUST 8, 2022
UNALA´S ETHANOL COMMITTEE PARTICIPATED IN MISSION TO SãO PAULO, BRAZIL
During the week of August 8, 2022, the Ethanol Committee of the Union of Latin American Sugar Producers – UNALA, had the opportunity to carry out a mission to São Paulo, Brazil. The participants, from Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru visited different sites; they had meetings with key actors to understand the legal framework; meetings with the private sector to discuss challenges and opportunities, as well as with technological actors to learn more about issues related to innovation and technology.
JUly 12, 2022
ASAZGUA participates in High Level political forum for sustainable development
On July 12, 2022, Mr. Luis Fernando Salazar, ASAZGUA’s International Affairs Coordinator participated in the side event “Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions to Achieve Quality Education, Gender Equality and Ecosystem Health through Stategic Partnerships”, organized by the Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). During his presentantion, Mr. Salazar shared the contributions of the Guatemalan Sugar Agroindustry to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Education).
JUNE 30, 2022
Sugar & Alcohol Industry Chamber of Mexico participates in Bonsucro event
On June 30, 2022, Mr. Humberto Jasso, Executive President of the Sugar & Alcohol Industry Chamber of Mexico participated in the Bonsucro Mexico Conference.
JUNE 9, 2022
AICA LAUNCHES CHILD LABOR PREVENTION CAMPAIGN
On June 9, the Association of Central American Sugar Producers Association (AICA), made up of members from 4 countries represented in UNALA, launched in San José, Costa Rica a Central American campaign for the prevention of child labor.
may 18, 2022
ASAZGUA AND UNALA MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN UNDESA MEETING
On May 10, the event “The role of private industry in support of the SDGs in matters of water, energy, biodiversity and health” was held, organized by the Association of Sugar Producers of Guatemala -Asazgua- and the Organization of United Nations -UN-.
MAY 12, 2022
UNALA MEETING AT NEW YORK CITY
UNALA realized a meeting during sugar week in New York City. During the meeting, the members received an update on the execution of the 2022 work plan. UNALA’s work plan consist in four main topics: Sugar & Health; Sustainability; Energy (Ethanol); and Commercial Politics.
March 24, 2022
ASAZGUA AND UNICA PARTICIPATE IN UNDESA EVENT
On March 23, 2022, the Association of Sugar Producers of Guatemala (ASAZGUA) and the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), both members of UNALA, participated in the event “Bioenergy for sustainable development: ethanol and electricity from sugarcane.” The event was organized by ASAZGUA as a member of the Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network of the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).
MARCH 19, 2022
unala general assembly
Last March 18, 2022, UNALA hosted its yearly General Assembly in the city of Miami, Florida. On the meeting, UNALA’s General Assembly approved the 2022 work plan, and welcomed its newest member, PERUCAÑA, which represents the sugar agroindustry of Peru.
december 10, 2021
UNALA END OF YEAR MEETING
Miami, florida
On December 9, 2021, UNALA members gathered in Miami, Florida, to review the actions executed during 2021. Major achivements include: the impulse of “Esto Es Azúcar” campaign, the participation on the revision process of the Bonsucro Production Standard, and the exchange of information on ethanol production and policies. For 2022, UNALA members will seek to strengthen the organization.
December 3, 2021
UNALA MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN WSRO MEETING
On December 2, 2021, UNALA members ASAZGUA and IANSA participated in the World Sugar Research Organization interim meeting. ASAZGUA was represented by Mr. Luis Fernando Salazar, International Affairs Coordinator and IANSA was represented by Ms. Vivian Budinich, Marketing and Sustainability Managers. Both presented an update on the situation of the front-of-package labelling in processed foods in Guatemala and Chile, respectively.
september 22, 2021
unala meets with bonsucro secretariat
On September 22, 2021 UNALA met with the Bonsucro Secretariat to present its observations to the new Bonsucro Production Standard. Observations are related to: Free Prior and Informed Consent; Living wage; maximum of labor hours per week; and social dialogue.