October 31, 2024, Barbados – Latin America and the Caribbean is experiencing greater uncertainty, dynamic socio-economic shifts, geopolitical transitions, and the enduring impact of the global pandemic. In this context, the XVI Ministerial Forum on Development of Latin America and the Caribbean – co-organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and hosted by the Government of Barbados - opens today bringing together representatives from 27 countries, including 20 ministers, to reflect on how to accelerate and protect progress towards human development, inclusion, and resilience, with a focus on diverse challenges, including climate risks.

“Regional cooperation and collaboration is the foundation for fostering resilience and socio-economic prosperity for all 665 million citizens of Latin America and the Caribbean. The Government of Barbados warmly welcomes you to the XVI Ministerial Forum for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Over two days, we will generate innovative solutions for definable actions to design effective social policies aimed at reducing vulnerability and promoting sustainable social development in the face of ongoing and ever-changing crises,” said Hon. Kirk Humphrey, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs.

This gathering builds on the discussions initiated at the XIII Ministerial Forum in Antigua and Barbuda in 2021, which looked at disasters and social protection systems in the context of protracted crises. The XVI Ministerial Forum will focus on how the region can advance and protect social gains in the context of more frequent and intense shocks.

“Latin America and the Caribbean is a region of possibilities and innovative solutions for sustainable development. Strengthening resilience will allow us to advance human development and consolidate its gains, letting us face our collective future with greater hope and confidence optimism,” said Michelle Muschett, Regional Director of the UNDP for Latin America and the Caribbean. 

“The global and regional context is complex, full of uncertainties that exacerbate the development traps and social inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is essential to move towards inclusive social development and not miss the opportunity to have a common message from the region to take to the Second World Summit on Social Development,” highlighted José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Forum and its Declaration will be crucial in strengthening the region's positioning and voice in global forums and intergovernmental discussions. It aims to set the stage for transformative policy action and impactful initiatives that transcend boundaries, ultimately steering the region toward a more equitable and resilient future. 

Forum website: https://www.undp.org/latin-america/forodesarrollolac.

Official Programme: LINK TO AGENDA. 

Please follow us on the 2024 Ministerial Forum using hashtags:

#MinisterialForum2024 #ForoMinisterial2024.

The Opening Ceremony and Side Events will be live streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@PNUDLAC. 

Photos, videos, and B-roll will be available.

For more information and media inquiries, please contact: 

UNDP: Vanessa Hidalgo, Regional Communications Advisor – vanessa.hidalgo@undp.org +1 6463389462.

Government of Barbados: Yvette Walcott-Dennis, Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs - Yvette.Walcott-Dennis@barbados.gov.bb. 

ECLAC: prensa@cepal.org; Telephone: (56) 22210 2040.

About UNDP

UNDP is the lead United Nations agency tackling the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with a broad global network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations develop impactful, integrated and sustainable solutions by and for people and the planet. www.undp.org/latinamerica

For more information, visit https://www.latinamerica.undp.org/ or follow us on social media @pnudlac.