The inauguration of the second Trump administration in January 2025 has brought shifts to the geopolitical landscape of the Americas, with significant implications for energy, climate, trade, and social dynamics. Changes in trade policies, along with a recalibrated approach to climate action, have influenced diplomatic relations—most notably through the recent expansion of tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods—while evolving stances on migration and economic policy continue to shape the regional agenda.

In the realm of energy and climate, the Americas face the challenge of accelerating the energy transition amid shifting dynamics in international cooperation. The Third CELAC-EU Summit in 2024 underscored the urgency of adopting clean technologies across Latin America and the Caribbean. However, adjustments in U.S. trade policies may influence access to critical technologies and investment flows, requiring strategic responses from regional stakeholders.

Social inclusion and policy approaches to diversity continue to evolve across the region. Changes in immigration regulations have led to varied responses from Latin American governments, while ongoing discussions on gender policies and minority inclusion are increasingly shaping corporate and political agendas. This evolving landscape highlights the importance of continued dialogue on social integration and economic opportunity, particularly in relation to the energy sector.

On the trade front, U.S. protectionist measures are encouraging countries in the region to explore market diversification and strengthen intra-regional cooperation. Meanwhile, broader geopolitical shifts—including the dynamics between the United States and China—are influencing economic strategies and partnerships across the Americas.

Against this backdrop, the conference “Shifting Currents: Energy and Geopolitical Realignment in the Americas” will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on the region’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. It will foster dialogue on comprehensive strategies to advance energy sustainability, climate action, and trade stability in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.

This event will be held in-person at the Inter-American Dialogue on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 9:55 AM to 4:10 PM ET.

Follow this event on X at @The_Dialogue.

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Panel 1: Unlocking Latin America’s Energy Potential

Regional Integration,
Renewability, and the Breakthrough of New Technologies in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape 

This panel will explore the vast opportunities and significant challenges facing Latin America’s energy sector as it navigates an increasingly complex global landscape marked by rising protectionism and shifting geopolitical alliances. The panel will focus on the potential for regional cooperation and integrated energy markets to overcome these challenges and foster long-term energy security and economic resilience across the region. 

As Latin America seeks to position itself as a global leader in renewable energy, the discussion will highlight the advancements in clean energy technologies that can help the region reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and meet its climate goals. Panelists will assess how innovations in energy storage, smart grids, and decentralized generation are transforming the sector, while addressing the hurdles posed by inconsistent policies, infrastructure gaps, and fluctuating investment. 

The conversation will also delve into the strategic role that regional integration plays in unlocking Latin America’s energy potential, particularly as countries collaborate to create interconnected grids and shared markets. This integration not only promises to enhance energy access and efficiency but also strengthens the region’s bargaining power in a rapidly evolving global energy market. 

Ultimately, the panel will explore how Latin American countries can harness new technologies, foster regional collaboration, and expand renewable energy to secure a sustainable and resilient energy future. By embracing these opportunities, the region can not only address its internal energy needs but also contribute significantly to global climate action efforts. 

Panel 2: Geopolitical Shifts and Their Impact on Climate Action in the Americas Leading Up to COP30 

As we approach COP30 in Brazil, this panel will delve into how the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Americas is shaping both climate action and energy markets across the region. With global political dynamics in constant flux, countries and corporations are navigating new challenges and seizing emerging opportunities to address the growing demands for energy and the pressing climate imperatives of the 21st century. This session will focus on how geopolitical changes, energy transitions, and evolving policy frameworks intersect and influence decisions in both the energy sector and climate action in the Americas. 

Key discussion points will include the impact of national policies, particularly in light of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, as well as the role of international cooperation and corporate strategies in responding to the geopolitical shifts that are reshaping energy markets and climate negotiations. Panelists will offer valuable insights into how major energy companies are adapting to the rapidly changing global environment, balancing the need for economic growth, energy security, and urgent climate action. 

With COP30 on the horizon, the conversation will explore the strategic responses from governments, institutions, and corporations in advancing sustainable energy solutions and driving meaningful climate change initiatives. The panel will also assess how regional collaboration and global partnerships are essential to navigating these challenges and ensuring that the Americas remain on track to meet their climate commitments. 

Panel 3: Reframing Women’s Employment in Traditionally Male-Dominated Sectors

This session will explore how the transformation of industries, including energy, can promote inclusion and gender equality. It will highlight the emerging role of women who have excelled in male-dominated sectors, demonstrating how their leadership is crucial for driving change. 

The discussion will focus on the challenges women face in environments where gender equality is advancing slowly, or even regressing, and how women continue to thrive despite these obstacles. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of creating spaces for women to lead, especially in industries traditionally dominated by men, and the need for continuous efforts to foster gender inclusion. 

By empowering women and promoting their leadership, we can create more innovative, sustainable, and equitable solutions that benefit all communities, regardless of gender. The session will underscore the critical role of women in shaping the energy sector, addressing the global challenges of today—including climate action – and advancing gender equality in the region. 

Panel 4: Rule of Law, Regulatory Frameworks, and Enabling Policies for Energy Business Development in the Evolving Landscape 

This panel will provide a comprehensive exploration of the legal and regulatory environments shaping key energy markets in Latin America, with a particular focus on how these frameworks impact the growth and development of the energy sector. As the region navigates new geopolitical and economic dynamics, the role of robust legal structures, the rule of law, and transparent regulatory frameworks has never been more critical in driving investment, ensuring stability, and promoting sustainable energy development. 

The panelists will assess how countries in Latin America are updating or restructuring their regulatory landscapes to attract energy investment while aligning with global climate goals and ensuring local benefits. With many nations facing challenges related to governance, policy consistency, and transparency, the conversation will address how these legal and regulatory shifts are influencing corporate decision-making and the strategies that international energy companies are adopting to navigate this evolving environment.