An intersectoral and intergenerational dialogue is key to improving development and integration ideas for Latin America and the Caribbean

An intersectoral and intergenerational dialogue is key to improving development and integration ideas for Latin America and the Caribbean

• An international seminar on "Rethinking Development in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Mexican Perspective" took place from September 9-11 at the Foreign Ministry. It was organized by CAF-Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, UAM, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• For three days, Mexico became a laboratory of ideas where academics, experts, and young researchers examined Latin America and the Caribbean's economic landscape, concluding that a new model of development and integration is needed to address the region's challenges in the face of global fragmentation

During the closing of the international seminar on "Rethinking Development in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Mexican Perspective," held at the Foreign Ministry, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), CAF-Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM) agreed on the need to continue promoting dialogue between academia and the public and private sectors in order to explore better development and integration alternatives for the region.

Throughout the three-day event, renowned academics, former officials, specialists, and young researchers shared their insights. They presented viewpoints, theoretical and practical approaches, and concrete public policy proposals to advance an integrated and innovative development model for the region.

On September 10, the second day of the seminar, Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF-Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, delivered a keynote speech. He emphasized the need to accelerate economic growth in the region to overcome structural challenges. He highlighted CAF's pivotal role as the blue and green bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, underscoring its commitment to driving sustainability and energy transition.

In his remarks, he stressed the need to invest in digital infrastructure to bridge the connectivity gap, improve post-pandemic education, and foster innovation. He argued that this is crucial for increasing productivity and strengthening the middle class. He presented an optimistic vision where investment in research and development, coupled with a renewed commitment to sustainability, could catalyze an economic transformation that benefits all of Latin American society.

"To energize and transform our economy and address structural challenges such as low investment in research and development, inequality, and poverty, we must first begin to accelerate growth," he said.

During the seminar, 10 young researchers who won the Young Scholars Initiative call presented their proposals. They engaged in dialogue with experienced academics from various fields, including public policy, macroeconomics, regional trade, industrial development, economic specialization, electromobility, informal economy, social mobility, productivity dynamics, and environmental sustainability.

The seminar also served as a springboard for establishing a task force. This group, composed of academics and experts, will continue to examine strategic and structural problems in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The closing ceremony was attended by Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena Ibarra; UAM Rector José Antonio De los Reyes Heredia; René Orellana Halkyer, Regional Manager for Mexico and Central America at CAF-Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean; and Mario Cimoli, Professor and Researcher at UAM. They agreed that the seminar contributed to strengthening dialogue among the public and private sectors and academia on crucial regional issues.

In her remarks, Foreign Secretary Bárcena emphasized the importance of reimagining Latin America's future. "We need to reflect on the kind of development vision we want to imprint in the coming decades [...] The global south has very important proposals, and we cannot detach ourselves from them. We must combine the different models that each country has tried to develop to achieve greater integration."

"This great seminar has given us much to think about, including our response to climate change, which will necessitate changes in public policy. We need to rethink international taxation and our approach to attracting foreign direct investment. We must also focus on companies that can make significant contributions," emphasized the Foreign Secretary.

René Orellana Halkyer, Regional Manager for Mexico and Central America at CAF, emphasized that reducing inequality gaps and promoting more equitable regional development can only be achieved through inter-institutional collaboration and evidence-based policy creation.

"The seminar has been an essential platform for promoting open and collaborative dialogue. It has allowed us to share visions that bring us closer to concrete solutions for the structural problems of Latin America and the Caribbean. As a green and blue bank, we are committed to supporting efforts that drive inclusive economic growth and sustainability across Latin America, contributing to a more equitable future,'" said Orellana Halkyer.

Researcher Mario Cimoli highlighted the central role of industrial policy, saying, "Industrial policy is the only way to build a structure that generates productivity, resolves informality, and allows for effective social policies [...] We must put innovation at the center of countries' development policies."

The seminar demonstrated that collaboration between sectors is crucial for addressing regional challenges. Universities such as UAM play a vital role in integrating diverse perspectives. The event demonstrated how academic research and dialogue can transform scientific knowledge into tools for creating public policies that effectively address social, economic, and environmental issues.

This meeting underscored the importance of a multidimensional approach to development. It became clear that environmental impacts, inequality, and low economic growth cannot be separated. As reiterated in the sessions, a development policy that fails to consider both environmental sustainability and equitable resource redistribution is doomed to fail.

In conclusion, the seminar highlighted the pressing need for dialogue at both regional and international levels. The meeting represented an initial step towards fostering strategic alliances, enabling Latin America and the Caribbean to confront global challenges with a stronger and more unified voice.