Mapping sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean: sectoral and energy transition insights from sustainable bonds, 2014–2024

This study examines the role of green, social, sustainable, and sustainability-linked (GSSS) bonds in financing the energy transition in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It combines a descriptive assessment of sectoral bond issuance patterns from 2014 to 2024 with an econometric exercise focusing on the region’s top five issuers. The results indicate that GSSS bonds have contributed to the expansion of renewable energy capacity but have not yet produced a structural shift in the overall energy mix. These findings underscore both the opportunities and limitations of sustainable finance, h…

Report of the activities carried out by the Latin American and Caribbean Institute for Economic and Social Planning (ILPES), 2024-2025

Enhancing data for development: policy imperatives for tracking the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean. Policy Brief

For small island developing States (SIDS), sustainable development is a delicate balance of pursuing economic growth, social development and environmental stewardship in the context of economic volatility, social challenges, climate change threats and global uncertainties while striving to build resilience. Recognized as a special case for development since the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, SIDS remain highly vulnerable to external shocks due to their small economies, limited connectivity and reliance on external markets. Over the years, global frameworks such …

The impact of climate change on child and youth poverty in Latin America

Climate change is transforming the way we live and redefining the future of childhood. In the Latin American and Caribbean region, children and young peopleⁱ face unprecedented risks that threaten their present and future opportunities. Climate change affects them disproportionately, as they are physically and physiologically more vulnerable to withstand and survive extreme weather conditions such as floods, droughts, storms and heat waves. This vulnerability is also due to their high economic dependence, the prevalence of poverty and the lack of access to essential services for their developm…

Report of the Eighth meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development

Strengthening the artificial intelligence readiness of the Caribbean. Policy Brief

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems, when applied well, could help in addressing key global challenges and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, these potential benefits will not materialize automatically. The use of AI also carries significant risks, such as disruption to job markets and economies, loss of cultural diversity, new AI-enabled digital weapons that increase misinformation and surveillance, and threats to human rights and democracy. While AI systems could support the achievement of many of the SDGs , they could also impede the achievement of others and increa…

Assessment of the effects and impacts of Hurricane Beryl on Barbados, 2024

Hurricane Beryl was the first major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season and the earliest-forming category 5 hurricane on record. It impacted Barbados as a category 3 storm while passing approximately 150 km south of the island, generating large swells and waves that affected the island’s south and west coasts. While the storm caused only moderate damage to basic infrastructure and did not trigger a humanitarian crisis, it caused substantial damage to coastal assets. The storm’s overall effects were estimated at 193 million Barbados dollars, equivalent to 0.15% of the country’s GDP. Damage ac…

National economic development plans and their contributions to climate goals under the Paris Agreement

Countries often count greater growth, economic development and the fight against poverty and inequality among their priorities, but they also face global challenges related to climate action and the Paris Agreement. In this regard, economic development plans should be aligned with emissions reduction and climate resilience objectives. This report presents an analysis of the extent to which elements of Paris Agreement climate commitments (focusing on nationally determined contributions) are represented in selected national green economic development plans of Group of 20 economies. Ultimately, t…

Summary of the Chair. Eighth meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 Partnership for the goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.…

Latin America and the Caribbean in the Final Five Years of the 2030 Agenda: Steering Transformations to Accelerate Progress

Five years from the deadline for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals  (SDGs) in Latin America and the Caribbean, progress has fallen short of expectations a decade ago when the journey began. Many factors have impeded better progress: weak institutional capacities, limited financing and fiscal space, low growth for major trading partners, the shock of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and subsequent cascading crises. In 2025, these factors have been compounded by geopolitical tensions and disruptions that may pose new obstacles for achievement of the SDGs, as well as new…

Latin America and the Caribbean in the Final Five Years of the 2030 Agenda: Steering Transformations to Accelerate Progress. Summary

Five years from the deadline for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Latin America and the Caribbean, progress has fallen short of expectations a decade ago when the journey began. Many factors have impeded better progress: weak institutional capacities, limited financing and fiscal space, low growth for major trading partners, the shock of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and subsequent cascading crises. In 2025, these factors have been compounded by geopolitical tensions and disruptions that may pose new obstacles for achievement of the SDGs, as well as new…

Provisional agenda. Eighth meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development

Annotated provisional agenda. Eighth meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development

The Hummingbird Vol. 12 No. 3

Report of the Third meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean

The third meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (Escazú Agreement) was held at the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, from 22 to 24 April 2024.…

The Hummingbird Vol. 12 No. 2

Pecuária regenerativa: definição, caracterização e recomendações de políticas

O desenvolvimento sustentável da pecuária na América Latina e no Caribe pode ser potencializado através da adoção de sistemas que contribuam para regenerar os solos. Além de suas vantagens ambientais em comparação com a pecuária convencional, os sistemas regenerativos oferecem oportunidades para aumentar a rentabilidade dos estabelecimentos. Contudo, a falta de consenso sobre uma definição de pecuária regenerativa obstaculiza a articulação e a avaliação de marcos legais nesse âmbito. O presente documento procura atender a essa necessidade. Com base num exame dos principais enfoques referentes …

Road to Seville: reform proposals for FfD4 from the United Nations regional commissions

This policy brief, prepared by the five United Nations regional commissions, identifies the critical challenges faced by emerging and developing countries in closing the financing gap to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights systemic shortcomings in the global financing framework, including unmet development finance commitments, high public debt and a financial system misaligned with sustainability needs. The brief outlines key strategies for reform, focusing on enhancing domestic public resources, improving debt sustainability and fostering inclusive economic growth.…

Report of the Fortieth session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean