3 CAF NOOCs to Address Sustainable Development Challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean

CAF -development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean- has launched, for the first time, a series of Nano Online Open Courses known as NOOCs. These short, free courses are designed to provide agile and accessible learning on specialized and priority topics for the region. The first NOOCs offered by the institution are based on the latest Economic and Development Reports (RED), CAF’s flagship annual publication that addresses critical topics for sustainable regional development with the aim of contributing to the design of public policies in the region's countries. In this opportunity, these NOOCS cover the RED reports for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, focusing on the region’s structural inequalities, climate change action, and energy transition. The courses can be taken in any order, as they are independent, and are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. 

The NOOC on the 2022 RED, titled "Inherited Inequalities," explores the deep structural inequalities that persist in Latin America and the Caribbean, affecting social mobility in key areas such as education, income, health, and wealth accumulation. This course provides tools to diagnose the barriers that perpetuate inequality in the region and identifies public policies that promote equity and opportunities in society. The audience for this NOOC includes policymakers, academics, social leaders, students, and educators interested in promoting inclusive development. 

The NOOC on the 2023 RED, titled "Global Challenges, Regional Solutions," focuses on climate change and biodiversity loss. Participants will analyze these global challenges and develop adaptation and mitigation strategies facing climate change and biodiversity preservation tailored to the regional context, utilizing case studies, debates, and interactive activities. Its purpose is to empower interested individuals to create solutions that promote collaboration among local, regional, and international actors to address these challenges. This course is intended for professionals, students, and anyone wishing to contribute to sustainable development in their communities. 

Lastly, the NOOC on the 2024 RED, "Renewed Energies: Just Energy Transition for Sustainable Development," focuses on the transition toward clean energy and examines how to ensure that this process is fair and equitable. The course addresses the challenges the region faces both from the energy supply side—that is, how energy is produced—and the demand side, referring to how different sectors consume energy, as well as the potential effects of this transition on the broader economy beyond the energy sector. The report focuses on strategies to reduce emissions without neglecting the growth and inclusion objectives facing the region. Its goal is to facilitate understanding of how this transition can contribute to economic development and improve quality of life in the region. It is intended for those interested in the future of energy and its role in sustainable development. 

NOOCs are very short courses (up to 1 hour) that provide an initial approach to a complex topic. In the first quarter of 2025, CAF will launch 3 MOOCs based on the RED, which will also be virtual courses, a little longer, that students can complete at their own pace, allowing interested individuals to delve into social inequalities, climate change, and energy transition. 

To register for each NOOC for free, click the following link: NOOC itinerary about the Economy and Development Report (RED)