Latin America faces institutional dissatisfaction despite democratic status

Latin America and the Caribbean face a paradox as the world’s most democratic developing region, yet they report the highest levels of dissatisfaction with institutional performance. Ahead of International Democracy Day on September 15, the region is grappling with the deep interconnection between democracy and human development.

Challenges such as organized crime, insecurity, disinformation, the climate crisis, and persistent inequality threaten to undermine progress. Strengthening institutions and renewing social pacts are identified as essential drivers for resilient human development, allowing societies to influence governance and participate in building their own futures.