The OECD strategic framework for greater cooperation, inclusion, and sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has adopted, for the first time, a Strategic Framework for Latin America and the Caribbean with the aim of strengthening its cooperation in the region and consolidating a shared public policy platform. This initiative is part of the diplomatic push led by Costa Rica and coincides with the organization of the first OECD Local Development Forum in Latin America, which will take place from July 8 to 11 in Barranquilla.

The idea is that the roadmap will allow for increased collaboration between the region and the multilateral organization.

Furthermore, an evolution is sought in the historical relationship between the OECD and Latin American countries, which has been growing in terms of participation , regulatory adherence, and political collaboration.

The Strategic Framework aims to maximize the value, impact, and complementarity of the OECD's work in the region, providing solutions to the traditional challenges facing this part of the world.

The proposal is based on the priorities already defined by the OECD Regional Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean: increasing productivity, promoting social inclusion, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring environmental sustainability. It also incorporates new dimensions focused on digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, the exploitation of critical minerals, regional integration, and the consolidation of sustainable value chains.

According to the Organization, Latin America and the Caribbean are an increasingly important player in the global economy. With a population exceeding 650 million and a gross domestic product that, as a whole, positions the region as the fourth-largest economy in the world, the transformative potential of the region has motivated the organization to rethink its institutional priorities.

"The adoption of this Strategic Framework reflects the growth and strengthening, over the past three decades, of the partnership between the OECD and Latin America, a region of significant importance and a key priority on the Organization's global agenda," said Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD.

The executive added that this "new Strategic Framework seals the joint commitment of all our members to strengthen our collaboration with the region."

This announcement was made during the closing session of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris on June 3 and 4, but under the presidency of Costa Rica.

This new roadmap builds on the priorities established in the OECD Regional Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean, launched in 2016, and seeks to consolidate a more ambitious collaborative platform . The framework also incorporates an operational dimension through the preparation of an Implementation Plan to be presented at the 2026 Ministerial Meeting, with the active participation of the region's countries and other institutional partners.

In line with this strategy, the OECD will also strengthen its presence in regional integration processes and intergovernmental summits, such as the forum in Barranquilla, where it will strengthen its ties with the private sector, academia, civil society, and Latin American parliaments.

The Local Development Forum will bring together local leaders, national authorities, multilateral organizations, and private sector representatives to discuss how territorial development can be a catalyst for inclusion, sustainability, and competitiveness. More than 50 international delegations are expected.

This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Strategic Framework, which seeks to decentralize the approach to public policies and highlight the transformative potential of intermediate cities and subnational governments.

According to the OECD, the Strategic Framework is structured around five pillars:

Currently, five Latin American countries are full members of the OECD: Mexico (1994), Chile (2010), Colombia (2020), Costa Rica (2021), and, most recently, Brazil (a candidate since 2022). Other countries, such as Peru and Argentina, maintain active ties with the organization through sectoral cooperation programs and peer review processes.

While the OECD recognizes the economic and strategic potential of Latin America and seeks to contribute to strengthening its institutions, regulatory convergence, and integration with more developed economies.

Along these same lines, and seeking support for nations, the OECD signed an agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to strengthen support for countries in the region interested in aligning with the organization's standards and becoming full members.

Through this agreement , the IDB will offer technical and financial cooperation to support both countries already in the process of accession and those seeking to advance institutional, regulatory, and governance reforms that will allow them to move closer to the OECD system. This collaboration will include public policy analysis, civil service strengthening, civil service training, and the development of innovation strategies.

"This agreement expands the IDB's role in supporting the Latin American and Caribbean countries that are collaborating with the organization by providing tools to strengthen institutions, improve regulatory frameworks, and comply with global standards. This partnership is a key step in the IDB's effort to continue connecting the region to the world," said IDB President Ilan Goldfajn.

In turn, OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann emphasized that the IDB-OECD partnership will further advance joint analyses of governance, regulatory reform, and integrity in the region:

"I am pleased to take this cooperation a step further and appreciate the IDB's continued support as countries in the region advance their alignment with OECD standards and best practices," he explained.

The idea is that the development of this agreement will also consider coordination with IDB regional programs such as America in the Center, an initiative that seeks to address common and cross-border challenges in the region, promoting productivity, regional integration, adaptation to climate change, and social development, especially for young people.

There is also the One Caribbean initiative, which seeks to promote sustainable development in the Caribbean and Small Island Developing States, along with economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.

Along the same lines, there is the Amazonía Siempre project, which addresses the local population, the bioeconomy, and infrastructure, along with the intention of promoting the inclusion of women, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and local communities.

Along the same lines, technical collaboration will be promoted through platforms such as the Korea-LAC Trade and Innovation Forum, which seeks to strengthen trade ties, encourage investment, and foster technological innovation between Korea and the Latin American and Caribbean region.

Additionally, there is the OECD International Transport Forum, which is comprised of 64 member countries and seeks to deepen understanding of the role of transport in economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion, as well as increase public awareness of the importance of transport policies.

Also included is the Business at OECD Latin America and the Caribbean Contact Group, which serves as a meeting point for companies and business organizations interested in OECD activities and seeks to promote dialogue between the private sector and the organization with the goal of strengthening smart, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth .