Ensuring universal, affordable, and quality access to energy is a fundamental condition for sustainable development. In Latin America and the Caribbean, although significant progress has been made in terms of electricity coverage, significant challenges persist related to service affordability, quality of supply, dependence on polluting sources in vulnerable sectors, and territorial inequality in access to modern technologies.
Energy poverty—in its multiple dimensions—limits development and inclusion and deepens structural gaps that particularly affect women, Indigenous peoples, rural communities, and informal urban settlements. Addressing it requires rethinking energy provision models with a people-centered approach, distributive justice, and inclusive development.
This session proposes a reflection on the role of public policies, technological innovation, financing, and community participation as tools to eradicate energy poverty. Success stories will be presented that demonstrate how energy can transform lives and strengthen community resilience. The discussion will highlight energy as an engine of equity, health, and sustainable development.