CAF and UNOPS join forces to promote sustainability of development projects

(Panama City, March 14, 2013).- Latin America's growth in the last few years has reflected in the growing demand of infrastructure services, facilitating the increase of public and private investment. Sustainability standards are crucial in order to optimize positive impacts and mitigate undesired impacts in infrastructure projects for Latin American development.

 

CAF -development bank of Latin America- and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) signed a mutual cooperation agreement in Panama City. The agreement is based on knowledge exchange and best practices in sustainable infrastructure projects, project management, efficiency in public purchases and shielding against climate change, among other goals. The agreement also sets the basis for technical assistance to governments in their specialty areas for both institutions.

 

At the agreement signing ceremony, CAF President Enrique García said, "Latin America's countries receive CAF's support to develop a comprehensive development agenda, with the goal of attaining quality growth; that is, inclusive, employment generator, that respects cultural diversity and the environment. This agreement with UNOPS will contribute to generating joint strategies that guarantee each project's sustainability."

 

"Both institutions share a comprehensive vision of infrastructure as a fundamental element for the region's substantive and sustainable development as well as inequality reduction. For this reason, we have promoted this agreement, to generate synergies, provide assistance to states and contribute to increased integration of international standards on social, environmental and economic sustainability in the region's development public policies and projects," said UNOPS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean María Noel Vaeza.

 

This renewable two-year agreement will be regional in scope.