ECLAC to Host Dialogues on Global, Regional and National Action for Sustainable Development

The ninth meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development will take place April 13-16, 2026 in Santiago, Chile.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A warm, cinematic painting depicting a dimly lit United Nations conference room with a single figure seated at a table, the space bathed in soft, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the regional dialogues on global, national, and local sustainable development action.As Latin American and Caribbean nations convene to chart a path forward on sustainable development, the region's political landscape reflects a mood of cautious optimism and quiet determination.NYC Today

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) will host the ninth meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development from April 13-16, 2026 at its headquarters in Santiago, Chile. The event will bring together ministers, government authorities, UN representatives, regional organizations, development banks, parliaments, academia, the private sector, and civil society to participate in dialogues on global, regional, and national action towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.

Why it matters

This annual gathering is a crucial platform for Latin American and Caribbean countries to evaluate regional progress and challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda, just four years before the deadline. The dialogues will address key issues like financing for development, climate change, social development, and successful national experiences in accelerating SDG achievement.

The details

The opening ceremony on April 14 will feature remarks from ECLAC's executive secretary, the director-general for economic affairs at Peru's foreign ministry, and the UN under secretary-general for economic and social affairs. ECLAC will also present a new report on regional progress and challenges related to the 2030 Agenda. The dialogues will cover global commitments, in-depth analysis of 5 specific SDGs, and the preparation of Voluntary National Reviews.

  • The ninth meeting of the Forum will take place from April 13-16, 2026.
  • The opening ceremony will be held on Tuesday, April 14 from 8:30-9:15 a.m. local time in Chile (GMT-4).
  • ECLAC will present a new report on the 2030 Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean on Tuesday, April 14 at 2:30 p.m. local time in Chile.
  • The UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development will take place in New York from July 7-15, 2026.

The players

José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs

ECLAC's executive secretary.

Jorge Félix Rubio

Director-general for economic affairs at the ministry of foreign affairs of Peru, the country serving as Chair of the Forum.

Li Junhua

The under secretary-general for economic and social affairs of the United Nations.

Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

The regional commission of the United Nations responsible for promoting the economic and social development of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development

An annual gathering of Latin American and Caribbean countries to evaluate regional progress and challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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What’s next

The UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development will take place in New York from July 7-15, 2026, where countries will present their Voluntary National Reviews.

The takeaway

This meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development is a critical opportunity for the region to assess its progress, share best practices, and coordinate efforts to accelerate the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals before the 2030 deadline.