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Social cohesion in Latin America
José María Figueres, former President of Costa Rica and international advisor of FRIDE's Board of Trustees, writes in nacion.com about the core issue of the XVII Latin-American Summit, proposing six actions to achieve a 'better state' and 'more market'.
The starting point for an analysis of social cohesion in Latin America must be a consideration of three realities.
Firstly, the sustainability of the economic growth that the region has experienced over the past few years. Secondly, as shameful as this may be, the fact that Latin America remains the continent with the highest levels of inequality in the world. And thirdly, thanks to the increased capacities we now enjoy because of economic growth, the fact that the continent is now in a stronger position than ever before to seriously consider tackling poverty and inequality.
From this point, we are granted the opportunity to discuss about social cohesion.
The challenge for Latin America lies in deciding how to better take advantage of this bonanza in order to achieve two key things for the future: a “better state” and “more market”.
With a “better state” - by which we mean better policies and public institutions - we could shift the paradigm of Latin American development towards one of sustainable development.
And with “more market” - meaning better regulatory frameworks that allow the business community to achieve its potential - we will be able to reinforce our regional competitiveness so that we continue growing, not only due to external influences, but also thanks to the pressure of internal competition.
On these two pillars, “better state” and “more market”, we will be able to increase social cohesion. In order to facilitate and accelerate this process, that is in everybody’s interests, we could implement programmes based on our own efforts and the solidarity of others.
Read the full article in nacion.com
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Keywords
Latin America & CaribbeanBio author:
