As part of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2023, which takes place at the headquarters of the international organization in New York, Luis Miguel Paíz, CEO of Asazgua, and Andrea Bolaños, Manager of Sustainability of Asazgua, participated as a panelist in the Side Event titled “Integrated Water and Energy Solutions Supporting Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements,” organized by the UN Global Network of Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions.
Andrea Bolaños participated as panelist to share the initiatives implemented by the Guatemalan Sugarcane Agroindustry, which directly contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 6, and 11. These goals focus on ensuring access to affordable and clean energy, clean water and sanitation, and sustainable cities and communities.
During her participation, Bolaños shared the good practices of the Guatemalan Sugarcane Agroindustry, focusing on the adoption of sustainable technologies, efficient water use, renewable energy generation, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.
An example of this is that 30% of the energy consumed in Guatemala is produced by cogeneration mills during the Zafra season. Additionally, the Guatemalan Sugarcane Agroindustry, through Fundazúcar, has conducted technical studies to enable communities in the southern part of the country to manage and access water and sanitation systems.
“The Sugar Cane Agroindustry of Guatemala is proud to participate in this United Nations High-Level Forum and to have the opportunity to share our experiences and achievements in the field of sustainability, as well as to gain valuable insights into what is being done in other parts of the world,” stated Andrea Bolaños.
“We firmly believe that producing responsibly involves being efficient in the use of natural resources and having a positive impact on society, as generators of opportunities and prosperity for millions of people,” added Bolaños.
The United Nations High-Level Political Forum is a key platform for discussing and reviewing countries’ progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, held annually in New York. This year, the forum began on July 10 and will conclude on the 19th.
International partnerships for sustainable development
Since 2019, the Guatemalan Sugarcane Agroindustry, through Asazgua, has actively participated in the UN Global Network of Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions, an initiative led by the Division for Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).
The event “Integrated Water and Energy Solutions Supporting Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements” brought together various stakeholders, including government representatives, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. The participation of the Guatemalan Sugarcane Agroindustry highlights the country’s commitment to seeking comprehensive and sustainable solutions to the water and energy challenges in the context of cities and human settlements.
