Guatemala has been selected as the host country for the XXXIII Congress of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT), a global event that brings together all sugarcane-producing countries. The congress will be held in Guatemala City in 2028. This is a worldwide event that gathers scientists, technicians, and representatives from the sugarcane agroindustry, and is considered the most important academic and technical meeting in the sector.

Guatemala was chosen for being an international benchmark in innovation, sustainability, and technical advancements within the sugarcane agroindustry. It represents a unique opportunity to continue positioning the country not only in the productive sphere but also culturally and in tourism, as it will host delegations from across all continents.

The decision was announced during the ISSCT 2025 Congress, currently being held in Cali, Colombia. At this event, Guatemala presented its official bid to host the 2028 congress and secured the designation—confirming the international relevance and prestige of Guatemala’s sugarcane agroindustry.

The International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT) is an organization founded in 1924 that brings together scientists, technologists, institutions, and companies committed to the technical advancement of the sugarcane industry. It currently has members in over 70 countries.

Its congresses are global events held periodically in rotating host countries, providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge, research, and technical advancements among professionals in the sector.

These academic gatherings play a key role in driving innovation and development in the sugarcane agroindustry. Their main functions include:

  • Knowledge sharing: Presenting research and discoveries to the international scientific community.
  • Training and discussion: Promoting dialogue on new trends and technologies in the sector.
  • Sector connectivity: Building bridges between academia, research centers, and the productive industry.

These forums are attended by scientists, technologists, managers, academics, and representatives of institutions and companies from around the world. Discussion topics range from precision agriculture, sustainability, and digitalization, to coproduct development and innovations applied to the sector.