CAF and UNOPS Expand Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean

CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have strengthened their strategic alliance through the signing of a new procedural framework agreement aimed at streamlining and optimizing the execution of development projects across the region.

The new Procedural Framework Agreement was signed by CAF's Executive Vice President, Gianpiero Leoncini, and UNOPS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Fabrizio Feliciani, as part of the 2025 Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum.

This agreement marks a step forward in institutional cooperation, following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both institutions in September 2024. It facilitates the formulation and implementation of projects financed by CAF in key areas of the 2030 Agenda, reaffirming both organizations’ commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.

The agreement focuses on harmonizing operational procedures, allowing both institutions to work in a more coordinated and streamlined manner when executing projects. This will lead to more efficient administrative processes and greater agility in delivering tangible results to beneficiary communities.

Fabrizio Feliciani, UNOPS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating: "This agreement consolidates our commitment to strengthening collaboration with CAF to accelerate our joint response to some of the region’s most pressing needs, particularly in infrastructure and the promotion of fair and equitable public management. By working together, we can better mobilize our capacities to bring concrete and sustainable development solutions to the communities that need them most in Latin America and the Caribbean".

Gianpiero Leoncini, CAF’s Executive Vice President, added:"Our partnership with UNOPS aligns with CAF’s strategy to foster collaborations that maximize the impact of our operations. This synergy will enhance the execution of sustainable development projects, particularly in procurement processes and infrastructure".

Since 2017, CAF and UNOPS have worked together on technical assistance projects in countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay. In Panama, for example, UNOPS currently manages the INADEH Transformation and Improvement Plan, a CAF-financed project with a $50 million loan, benefiting over 160,000 people who receive professional training annually through INADEH.