International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean 2025

CAF announces the first edition of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic Forum 2025 in Panama

International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean 2025: How to return to the path of growth?

CAF will bring together global leaders and regional experts on January 29 and 30 at the Panama Convention Center to discuss strategies that drive inclusive and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The main plenary, simultaneous sessions, private meetings, and launches will provide spaces designed to foster networking, promote innovation and climate action, strengthen the region's logistics systems, and highlight the strategic role of philanthropy in building sustainable solutions.

HOW DID THE FORUM COME ABOUT?

REIMAGINING DEVELOPMENT

Inspired by the opportunity to reflect on the development of Latin America and the Caribbean, the Forum was created as a space to analyze and address the region's historical challenges, transforming obstacles into opportunities.

LEADERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE

Government officials, business leaders, and multilateral stakeholders will convene in Panama to share innovative, multidisciplinary approaches that advance solutions to the region's challenges in productivity, equity, and sustainability.

SOLUTIONS THAT TRANSFORM

The Forum seeks to foster transformative dialogue by combining idea exchange with networking opportunities, generating actionable strategies to enhance competitiveness, reduce inequality, and shape a more dynamic and inclusive future for the region.

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SPEAKERS

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SESSIONS

About the Forum

Latin America and the Caribbean face structural challenges such as low productivity, informality, and weak institutions, further exacerbated by recent crises. Yet, the region holds a unique opportunity to redefine its development path toward inclusive and sustainable growth. This Forum will convene leaders and experts to craft strategies that enhance productivity and deliver benefits for all.

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Main Plenary

Leaders and experts will deliver keynote speeches and engage in high-level dialogues, addressing economic challenges, geopolitical dynamics, and opportunities for public-private cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean. This plenary serves as a pivotal platform to outline strategies for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth by 2025.

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Simultaneous Sessions

The event will include concurrent sessions featuring fireside chats, interviews, and thematic panels. These dynamic spaces will encourage the exchange of ideas, tackling critical challenges and uncovering innovative solutions to foster collaborative strategies for the region’s sustainable development.

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Launches

Activities focused on promoting innovative ideas, presenting relevant publications, and fostering dialogue around key topics such as sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness. These spaces will provide opportunities to share diverse perspectives, highlight significant contributions, and create strategic connections that drive sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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Simultaneous Sessions

Airport infrastructure, air connectivity, and tourism: drivers for promoting regional development

The impact of economic growth on poverty reduction

How to attract more foreign investment to Latin America and the Caribbean?

Road safety and infrastructure: a necessity for development

Panel discussion: 'Challenges and Opportunities for Panama'

The importance of railways in mobility, trade, sustainable development, and regional integration

The role of ports and logistics in the sustainable growth of Latin America and the Caribbean

From Cali to Belém: Latin America and the Caribbean as a key player in global climate action

Clean energy: the region's potential to accelerate the energy transition

Circular economy in subnational governments: sustainable growth and solid waste management

Food security as an opportunity for growth and regional development

What happens when large companies meet entrepreneurs? The case of 'Emprende tu mente' in Chile

The new era of corporate philanthropy and measuring its impact

The voice of business leaders and entrepreneurs: challenges and commitments of the private sector for a more productive region

The voice of business leaders and entrepreneurs: final conclusions

Latin America and the Caribbean in today's geopolitics

Nothing about us without us: women in decision-making spaces for the growth of Latin America and the Caribbean

HOW ARE WE DOING IN FIGURES?

32%

of Latin Americans live

in poverty

50%

of the region's workforce

work in informality

5%

of the GDP is what the region invests

in education, according to ECLAC

44/100

is Latin America's score on the Corruption Perception Index,

below the global average

50%

is the current investment in infrastructure,

half of what is needed to close the gaps

ORGANIZED BY

We are CAF, the development bank dedicated to supporting the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean while improving the quality of life across the region. Our mission is to promote sustainable development and foster regional integration. We work with both public and private sectors, offering a diverse range of products and services to a broad portfolio of clients, including 22 member countries, private enterprises, and financial institutions.

CAF announces the first edition of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic Forum 2025 in Panama