IDB Proposes Regional Alliance to Strengthen Security in Latin America and the Caribbean

• Twelve countries in the region welcome the proposal, and Ecuador commits to assuming the first presidency.

GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador - The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) propose the creation of the Alliance for Security, Justice, and Development with the security and justice ministers of the region, aiming to coordinate the implementation of public policies and resource mobilization to address, with a new approach, the challenges to economic and social development posed by organized crime.

The following countries have already indicated that they will join the Alliance proposed by the IDB: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Ecuador has committed to assuming the first presidency of the Alliance, and the IDB announced that it will serve as the technical secretariat.

Through the alliance, the IDB would provide financing, assistance, and technical advice to governments to expand successful, evidence-based interventions; launch innovative pilot initiatives to prevent and address crime and violence; and build institutional capacities. As a result, it would magnify regional experiences, ensure the sustainability of policies, and mobilize resources for countries' security and justice systems.

The alliance would also complement existing networks and platforms by giving countries opportunities to dialogue, cooperate, and exchange knowledge with each other.

Crime and violence stand in the way of development and economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB estimates that they lop an average of 3.5% off countries' GDP, taking into account loss of human capital and public and private funds spent to address crime.

The alliance aims to allay widespread violence and, in turn, promote sustainable economic development and social cohesion.

The alliance was proposed at the Regional Security Summit held in Guayaquil, Ecuador on August 19 and 20. A second summit will be convened along with the Caribbean ministers in December 2025 in Barbados.