Next April, Panama will host the 17th International Gas & Energy Forum (IGEF), a pivotal event in the global energy calendar that promises to shape the future of energy in Latin America and the Caribbean. Scheduled for April 2-4, 2025, at the Sheraton Grand Panamá, this forum marks a significant milestone in a series that began in 2009, each year growing in influence and prestige.
The IGEF has a storied history, beginning as a regional gathering after the global financial crisis. Its founders envisioned a platform where energy leaders, policymakers, and experts could come together to navigate the sector’s evolving challenges. Since its inception, the forum has become an essential meeting point for the industry, with each edition reflecting the shifting dynamics of global energy markets and the specific challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean.
The 16th IGEF, held in Paraguay in April 2024, was a resounding success, bringing together over 300 participants across the region. The forum tackled pressing issues such as energy transition, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the role of natural gas as a bridge fuel in decarbonization. It also provided a platform for high-level discussions on financing mechanisms to support energy projects in emerging economies. This topic will gain even more traction at the upcoming event in Panama.
The 17th IGEF promises to build on this legacy, with a theme centered around “Ensuring Energy Security with Reliable Sources.” The forum will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including government officials, corporate leaders, and renowned academics. Notable organizations such as the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), the Regional Association of Oil, Gas, and Biofuels Sector Companies in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARPEL), and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) will be actively involved, underscoring the forum’s regional importance.
One of the forum’s highlights will be the participation of financial heavyweights like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Their involvement signals the critical role that financing will play in the region’s energy transition, particularly in supporting the development of renewable energy projects, green hydrogen initiatives, and the necessary infrastructure for a sustainable energy future.
As the forum approaches, anticipation is building around the discussions that will take place in Panama. Topics such as the role of natural gas and biofuels in the region’s energy mix, the expansion of solar and wind energy projects, and the integration of green hydrogen into the energy landscape will be at the forefront. Moreover, the forum will provide a crucial platform for exploring the financial strategies needed to support these initiatives, emphasizing attracting public and private investment.
The IGEF has always been more than just a conference—it’s a catalyst for change. Each year, the forum not only reflects on the state of the energy industry but also sets the agenda for the future. The 17th edition in Panama will be no different, offering a unique opportunity for leaders to collaborate, innovate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the energy sector.
As Latin America and the Caribbean face the dual challenge of meeting growing energy demands while transitioning to a low-carbon economy, the 17th IGEF will be a critical forum for shaping strategies that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. The outcomes of this gathering are likely to influence energy policies and projects across the region for years to come, making it an event of global significance. In a world where energy security, sustainability, and innovation are more interconnected than ever, Panama’s 17th International Gas & Energy Forum stands out as a beacon of progress. It is not just an event; it is a movement that will help define the future of energy in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
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