On 29 and 30 January 2025, the International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean 2025 was held in Panama, organised by CAF -development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean- and World in Progress (WIP), with the support of Grupo PRISA. The event brought together government leaders, businessmen and economic analysts to discuss the challenges and prospects of the region in the global context. The forum served as a platform for the exchange of ideas on innovation, sustainability and regional integration.

Event programme

During the two-day event, panel discussions, conferences and workshops focused on strengthening institutions, digitalisation, energy transition and infrastructure. With this initiative, Latin America and the Caribbean seek to consolidate themselves as a united and competitive bloc, with a clear vision for sustainable development.

The sessions covered the following topics:

• Airport infrastructure, air connectivity and tourism: drivers to promote regional development
• Sustained and inclusive growth: key to poverty reduction
• How to attract more foreign investment to Latin America and the Caribbean?
• Road safety and infrastructure, a necessity for development
• Conversation ‘Challenges and opportunities for Panama’
• The importance of rail for mobility, trade, sustainable development and regional integration
• The role of ports and logistics in sustainable growth in Latin America and the Caribbean
• From Cali to Belém: Latin America and the Caribbean, a key player in global climate action
• Clean energy: the region’s potential to accelerate the energy transition
• Circular economy in sub-national governments: sustainable growth and solid waste management
• Food security as an opportunity for growth and development in the region
• What happens when big companies meet entrepreneurs? The case of ‘Emprende tu mente’ in Chile
• The new era of corporate philanthropy and measuring impact
• The voice of business people and entrepreneurs: challenges and commitments of the private sector for a more productive region
• The voice of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship: final conclusions
• Latin America and the Caribbean in today’s geopolitics
• Nothing about us without us: women in decision-making spheres on growth in Latin America and the Caribbean

Towards a sustainable future for Latin America

The International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean 2025 concluded with a call for cooperation between countries and a commitment to promote public policies that foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth. In addition, preliminary agreements were announced to promote investment in infrastructure and technology, as well as commitments to reduce the digital gap.

You can find more information in the specific section dedicated to the Forum on the CAF website or access the full videos of the event on its YouTube channel.

If you want to learn more about business opportunities that CAF and other multilateral organisations offer to the private sector in Latin America and other regions, register on our SALT web platform and we will contact you!