ECLAC 41st session convenes in Santiago, Dominican Republic

The 41st session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC/CEPAL) is being held in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, from October 7 to 9, 2026. The event, considered the most important biennial meeting for the United Nations regional agency, will be inaugurated by Dominican President Luis Abinader alongside ECLAC Executive Secretary José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs.

Delegations from 45 member states and 14 associated members are participating in discussions regarding the economic, social, and environmental future of the region. Key agenda items include regional integration, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and macroeconomic stability. A central focus will be the presentation of the position paper ‘Managing Transformations in an Era of Ruptures,’ which examines how the region must adapt to shifting global geopolitical and geoeconomic realities.

High-level attendees include various foreign ministers, representatives from international organizations, and notable figures such as former presidents Michelle Bachelet and Iván Duque. Additionally, ECLAC Executive Secretary José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs addressed the complexities of migration, emphasizing the need for management that respects human rights and the sovereignty of nations.