8 April 2011: The Regional Critical Energy Issues Dialogue and meeting of the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) was held in 7-8 April in Panama City, Panama.

Coordinated by the Department of Sustainable Development of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Secretary of Energy of Panama, and supported by the State and Energy Departments of the United States, the meeting gathered representatives from more than 20 countries in the Americas to exchange opinions and explore methods of cooperation on issues regarding energy and climate.

The meeting provided an opportunity to demonstrate regional progress and share experiences under on-going ECPA initiatives, and to identify country coordinators for ECPA Information Clearinghouse. Participants also made suggestions for new initiatives, discussed how to further the involvement of the private sector and civil society, and made preparations for the next Energy and Climate Ministerial, which will convene prior to the Sixth Summit of the Americas to be held in April 2012 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. [ECPA Press Release][OAS-DSD Press Release]