The seminar, titled “Sustainable Solutions for Sugar and Energy,” is organized by the International Sugar Organization (ISO) and is being held in London, United Kingdom, gathering representatives from the sector across 85 countries.

Luis Miguel Paiz, General Manager of the Guatemalan Sugar Producers Association (Asazgua) and Executive President of the Association of Latin American Sugar Producers (Unala), is chairing the seminar. Recognized for his commitment to promoting initiatives that drive sustainable development.

The 33rd ISO seminar brings together leaders and experts from the sugar and bioenergy industries to discuss key issues. Topics include challenges faced by major sugar-producing countries, the future of clean energy in the industry, and the role of technology in the diversification and sustainability of the sector.

In the forum, valuable contributions are made regarding the challenges and opportunities faced by the sector on a global scale. The representatives of the Guatecaña´s delegation are: Luis Miguel Paiz, General Manager of Asazgua and Executive President of Unala; Álvaro Ruiz, Vice President of Asazgua and General Manager of La Unión sugar mill; Herbert González, Director of Asazgua and President of Palo Gordo sugar mill; Jackeline Hazbun, Executive Director of the Association of Independent Cogenerators of Guatemala, that brings together sugar mills generating clean and renewable energy from bagasse; Jean Paul Brichaux, Manager of International Commercial Negotiations at Asazgua; Luis Fernando Salazar, Coordinator of International Relations at Asazgua and Executive Director of Unala; Fernando Letona, Talent Management Manager at La Union sugar mill; and Gustavo Paredes, International Advisor at Asazgua.

The seminar’s agenda includes a wide range of critical topics

• Latinoamérica: Cómo Hacer las Cosas Bien. Una sesión centrada en las mejores prácticas en países de Latinoamérica, con ponentes como Álvaro Ruiz, vicepresidente de Asazgua y Gerente General de Ingenio La Unión (Guatemala), Nicolás Gil, Director del Programa de Procesos de Fábrica en Cenicaña (Colombia) y Juan Eduardo Interiano, CEO de Grupo CASSA (El Salvador).
• Technology and Clean Energy – Experts such as Jacqueline Hazbun, Executive Director of ACI, and Bernd Langhans of Siemens AG will discuss cutting-edge technologies and the importance of clean energy in the sugar industry.
• India: Challenges Ahead – Keynote speaker Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution of India, will address the landscape of the sugar industry in India, focusing on policies, innovation, and future trends.
• France and Beyond – Experts will address challenges in Europe, particularly the sugar industry in France, with speakers including Stanislas Bouchard of Cristal Union and Olivier Leducq, CEO of TEREOS.
• Brazil’s Sugar Industry – A panel of Brazilian experts will discuss the latest trends in the country’s sugar and bioenergy sectors, with speakers from DATAGRO and FEPLANA, among others.
• Parallel Forum – Organized by the Global Alliance for Sugar Trade Reform and Liberalisation, Jean Paul Brichaux, International Trade Negotiations Manager at Asazgua, will speak about sugar production and sugarcane by-products in Guatemala.

Throughout the seminar, which concludes tomorrow, attendees are engaging in productive discussions on the role of the sugar industry in promoting sustainability, particularly through cleaner production technologies, better resource management, and the integration of biofuels.