6 May 2010: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, with the support of the Spanish International Aid and Development Agency (SIDA), hosted the Fourth Annual Latin American Ministerial Forum on Development from 6-7 May, at UN Headquarters, New York. Participants discussed how governments and the private sector can provide a coordinated response to reduce inequality and boost sustainable development in Latin America.

The meeting gathered over 30 ministers and government officials responsible for social policies, from more than 16 Latin American countries.

During the opening session, Carlos Slim, a Mexican businessman and philanthropist, stressed that investments in education, digital communications and infrastructure are essential to build a basis for sustainable development. He also stressed the importance of developing social policies, in particular on education, to provide for young people. Slim emphasized that governments and private sector must continue to work together to achieve sustainable development.

UNDP Administrator Helen Clark noted that, despite economic growth and poverty reduction, 10 out of 15 of the most unequal countries in the world are located in Latin America. She stressed the need to fight poverty along with reducing inequality. UNDP Director for Latin American and the Caribbean Heraldo Muñoz highlighted that politicians in the region are focusing on sustaining growth and reducing poverty as well as on inequality. The Vice-President of Colombia, Angelino Garzón, highlighted the role of business, along with governments, in improving social conditions and boosting sustainable development. [UNDP Newsroom]