Latin America and Caribbean leaders meet to address stalling poverty reduction

Authorities, politicians, and international organizations have convened in Panama City for a regional conference titled ‘Ending Poverty: Recalibrating Strategies, Renewing Commitments’. Organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, the meeting aims to address the stagnation in poverty reduction across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Michelle Muschett, UNDP Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, warned that progress has slowed and remains highly vulnerable to setbacks. While multidimensional poverty in the region dropped significantly from 45.8% in 2008 to 25.4% in 2023 due to improvements in sanitation, adult education, and internet access, officials emphasize the need to protect these gains.

Data from ECLAC and the UNDP indicate that multidimensional poverty, which impacts quality of life and access to basic services, disproportionately affects indigenous populations, minors, and rural communities. During the opening of the conference, former Chilean President Gabriel Boric advocated for making poverty reduction a permanent state policy to ensure stability despite political changes.