Over the last decade, Latin America and the Caribbean have seen unprecedented development gains. Over 60 million people escaped poverty and over 100 million people entered into the middle class. For the first time in the history of the region, there are more people in the middle class than in poverty.

In addition to increasing temperatures and rising sea levels, global climate change represents a complex exercise for the great majority of businesses, which must frame the meaning, the costs, and the business and investment opportunities associated with this ongoing phenomenon.

The challenges of providing education and formal employment, encouraging the empowerment of women, and stemming the rise in chronic diseases continue to be serious concerns throughout the developing countries and emerging markets of the world.

The benefits of open and participatory public procurement are increasingly being recognized by international bodies such as the Group of 20 major economies, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and multilateral development banks.