A Regional Platform for Climate-Economic Action in Latin America and the Caribbean
As Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) face mounting climate challenges amid limited fiscal space and persistent structural constraints, a new regional initiative is emerging to support Ministries of Finance in navigating this complex terrain: the LAC Conference. Organized jointly with CEPAL and designed as an annual high-level forum, the LAC Conference provides a unique space for economic and climate policymakers to come together and forge a common vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.
Objective: Creating a space for strategic dialogue
The LAC Conference responds to a growing recognition: that economic and fiscal policy cannot be decoupled from climate strategy. Ministries of Finance have a pivotal role to play—not only in integrating climate considerations into fiscal frameworks but also in shaping enabling environments for sustainable investment, carbon transition, and green innovation.
Through structured dialogue, the conference tackles issues such as:
- Integrating climate risks and opportunities into economic and fiscal planning
- Designing effective, equitable, and country-specific climate policy tools
- Mobilizing and aligning public and private financial flows
- Improving access to international climate finance
- Enhancing institutional capacity and technical expertise
- Encouraging cross-sectoral and cross-country cooperation
The discussions are grounded in real-world constraints: tight fiscal margins, structural vulnerabilities, limited access to finance, and an urgent need to transition away from carbon-intensive development models. Yet they also spotlight innovation, such as green bond issuance, energy matrix diversification, and emerging regulatory frameworks for climate finance.
How: Building a Long-Term Platform
The strength of the LAC Conference lies in its long-term vision. It aims not only to facilitate annual convenings but also to foster a community of practice that bridges science, policy, and finance across the region. Each edition builds on the insights and momentum of the previous year, creating continuity and reinforcing a shared agenda.
As part of this long-term vision, C3A has forged strong partnerships with key regional institutions to anchor the conference in local expertise and policy relevance. One of the most important of these is its collaboration with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL). A leading regional body of the United Nations, CEPAL promotes sustainable development through rigorous economic analysis and policy dialogue. As a key partner of C3A, CEPAL brings deep regional expertise and a strong commitment to integrating climate and development agendas. Together, CEPAL and C3A work to support Ministries of Finance across Latin America and the Caribbean in designing and implementing climate-informed economic policies, fostering a shared vision for a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future.
Looking ahead for the next edition, the LAC Conference will continue to serve as a cornerstone of C3A’s regional engagement. With growing interest from partners and governments, the platform is poised to play an increasingly strategic role in supporting Latin American and Caribbean countries as they transition to productive, sustainable, and inclusive economies.
Takeaways from previous editions
2024 LAC Conference, in Brasilia
The inaugural edition of the conference, held in Brasilia in June 2024, marked a significant milestone. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Finance of Brazil, C3A, the World Bank, and CEPAL, and supported by EUROCLIMA, the event convened a broad range of stakeholders, from Finance Ministries and Central Banks to researchers, international experts, and development partners. Together, they examined how to accelerate climate action while maintaining economic growth and social equity in a region highly vulnerable to climate shocks.
Partners 2024 LAC Conference
2025 LAC Conference, in Mexico
The second edition of the LAC Conference will continue to serve as a cornerstone of C3A’s regional engagement. Taking place in Mexico in July 2025, this high-level event jointly organized by C3A, The World Bank and CEPAL, and hosted by the Ministry of Finance of Mexico, will focus on how Ministries of Finance can design effective and coherent policy mixes to support a low-carbon and resilient development path. It will explore the complementarities between green innovation policies, fiscal and debt dynamics, adaptation strategies, and nature conservation efforts. While carbon pricing is a key tool, evidence shows that complementary non-pricing measures are essential. By examining integrated policy portfolios, the event aims to support Ministries in crafting strategies that achieve environmental and social goals. Special attention will be given to the diversity of Latin American and Caribbean economies and the importance of regional collaboration and leadership ahead of COP30.
More information to come.
