25 August 2011: In a podcast from the UN Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) titled “Strengthening Workers: A Challenge for the Green Economy in Latin America,” two researchers discuss papers on green economy in Latin America.

The papers were prepared in connection with a UNRISD conference held in October 2011, titled “Green Economy and Sustainable Development: Bringing Back the Social Dimension.”

Amalia Palma highlights that in Latin America, economic growth has not led to poverty elimination and the reduction of inequality. Claudia Robles comments that to reduce inequalities, the goal is for policies on sustainable development and green economy within the countries to advance the social dimension of the green economy, including through incentives to promote training through public-private partnerships.

Palma also noted that the green economy has not yet become a priority within the private and public sectors in Latin American countries. Robes emphasized that labor structures in Latin America work against social sustainability. Palma also noted that there are situations where the three pillars of sustainable development collide, such as in the production of energy. The podcast is the first in a series from the UNRISD conference. [UNRISD Podcast]