The JODI-Gas Information Seminar Latin America was held on 21 November on the sideline of the 4th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Summit in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The event was inaugurated by the HE President Evo Morales Ayma of Bolivia, HE Luis Alberto Sánchez, Minister of Hydrocarbons of Bolivia, and HE Dr Hossein Adeli, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

The JODI partner organisations (IEA, IEF, OLADE, and OPEC) also attended the seminar demonstrating their strong support to GECF and cooperation amongst JODI Partners in advancing global energy data transparency through dialogue. 

The Seminar gathered government officials, industry experts, and media to revisit the history of JODI, characterised by strong political support since its inception in 2000. The mechanism of cooperation among national administrations, JODI Partners and data users was emphasised as the key feature of the initiative. Delegates also shared their views on the way forward, overcoming challenges faced in the processes involved in compiling JODI World Databases. 

President Morales highlighted that leaders need reliable data to make foresighted decisions on policies and investments, which affect their citizens. He reinforced his strong support for JODI and saluted collaborations by JODI Partners amongst the present international organisations and countries to improve global energy data transparency. HE Dr Adeli also reinforced the significance of reliable data to support short- and long-term gas market research and forecasts from the GECF perspective.

Panelists viewed data transparency as paramount to a smooth energy transition and stronger collective efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG7 - “Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”.

The JODI-Gas Information Seminar  hosted by the GECF in Bolivia was in line with key actions stated in the JODI 5-Year Action Plan which calls for:

• Raising awareness of the JODI platform and database
• Identifying and engaging champions for JODI

By putting the JODI 5-Year Action Plan into practice, JODI Partners spare no effort to meet with key stakeholders around the world to deliver JODI aspirations for:

• Stronger commitment
• Well-trained professionals
• Stronger public engagement

The JODI-Gas Information Seminar, presided over by President Evo Morales, was broadcast on live news media outlets, Bolivia TV, and contributed to building public engagement with JODI to the highest levels.

Presentations

• Fuad AlZayer,  Energy Data Transparency Coordinator (JODI), IEF
• Andres Schuschny, Director of Studies, Projects & Information, OLADE