challenges for Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The topic of digitalization.

— Mario Canales, a specialist in digital commerce at the World Economic Forum (WEF), kindly answers us. Canales is interviewed by Luis Vélez Serrano in the pre-podium interviews of the VII P.

Note: These responses are personal and do not represent the institutional views of the World Economic Forum.

 

—What challenges do you see for Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean?

There are several challenges to sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean, including:

1. Poverty and inequality:  Despite economic growth in some countries, poverty and inequality remain important issues in the region. This can limit access to basic services and opportunities for sustainable development.

2. Weak governance and corruption:  Corruption and weak institutions can limit the effectiveness of policies and programmes aimed at promoting sustainable development. This undermines public trust in governments and creates an obstacle to progress on sustainable development goals.

3. Political instability and crime:  Political and social instability limits countries’ ability to address challenges and can undermine public trust in government.

4. Infrastructure shortage : Scarcity of resources, including finance, energy and water, can limit countries’ ability to address sustainable development challenges.

5. Gender inequality:  Gender inequality persists in the region and can limit women’s ability to fully participate in the economy and society.

 

—And what could be the priorities of International Organizations in terms of digitalization?

— International organizations can help promote digitalization for sustainable development in Latin America. Here are some of the topics they could help promote:

1.  Digital divide:  Closing the digital divide between urban and rural areas, and between developed and less developed regions, is crucial to ensure that digitalization contributes to sustainable development in the region.

2.  Digital infrastructure:  Expand infrastructure such as broadband networks and data centers.

3.  Digital skills development:  Investing in digital education for people at all levels of society is critical for sustainable development in the region. This includes training for workers, entrepreneurs and public officials.

4.  Digital government:  Developing effective digital government frameworks is crucial to facilitate procedures and reduce bureaucracy, while always ensuring the protection of personal data, rights and freedoms.

5.  Innovation:  Encouraging innovation and digital entrepreneurship is critical for digitalization to contribute to sustainable development in the region. This includes supporting the development of new digital technologies, applications and services, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.

7.  Digital payments:  Promoting electronic payments is critical for digitalization to contribute to sustainable development in the region. This includes developing modern, efficient and easily accessible payment systems.

Overall, these priorities highlight the need for international organizations to work together with governments, the private sector and civil society to promote digitalization for sustainable development in the region in a comprehensive and complementary manner.

 

— What recommendations does the WEF make regarding Innovation and Technology for the Latin American region?

In May 2022, the Forum published the report “ Accelerating Digital Payments in Latin America and the Caribbean ” in collaboration with the IDB.

This report explores existing obstacles to the adoption and growth of digital payments in the region and proposes solutions at the public, public-private and private levels to advance this sector.

 

— Thanks a lot, Mario!