Latin America and Caribbean GSDR Regional Consultation 2027
On September 29, 2026, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs hosted the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) Regional Consultation in Quito, Ecuador. The event convened scientists, policymakers, civil society leaders, and private‑sector experts to discuss region‑…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the United Nations Development Programme’s Sustainable Development Goals (UNDP/SDG) division hosted the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) Regional Consultation for Latin America and the Caribbean on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The meeting took place at the Hotel Swissôtel in Quito, Ecuador, and brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—including scientists, policymakers, civil society representatives, and private‑sector experts—to share evidence, experiences, and perspectives on how the region can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through 2030 and beyond.
Why the Consultation Matters
The GSDR is a flagship UN publication that assesses global progress on the SDGs and offers policy guidance for the next decade. The 2027 edition will incorporate insights from regional consultations, ensuring that the report reflects the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Latin America and the Caribbean. By engaging directly with regional actors, the Independent Group of Scientists preparing the report can test emerging findings and policy recommendations against real‑world experiences, thereby strengthening the evidence base for the upcoming SDG Summit and broader post‑2030 deliberations.
Key Themes and Discussion Topics
Participants explored a range of cross‑cutting issues that are critical to sustainable development in the region:
- Human Well‑Being and Capabilities: Strategies to enhance quality of life, education, health, and gender equality.
- Energy Decarbonization and Universal Access: Pathways to reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions while ensuring that all citizens have reliable, affordable energy.
- Global Environmental Commons: Protection of shared ecosystems such as the Amazon, Caribbean marine habitats, and the Andean highlands.
- Governance and Institutional Change: Building resilient institutions that can adapt to climate shocks, economic volatility, and social unrest.
- Science, Technology, and Innovation: Leveraging research and digital tools to support evidence‑based policymaking.
- Financing and Capacity Development: Mobilizing public and private capital, and building technical expertise at national and local levels.
- Regional Cooperation and Resilience: Strengthening collaboration among countries to address transboundary challenges such as migration, water scarcity, and disaster risk reduction.
- Foresight and Scenario Analysis: Using scenario planning to anticipate future risks and opportunities beyond 2030.
Regional Evidence and Practical Case Studies
Attendees presented a series of case studies that illustrate successful interventions and highlight lessons learned:
- Renewable energy pilots in the Andean highlands that demonstrate how solar and wind can be integrated into rural electrification schemes.
- Community‑led forest conservation programs in the Amazon that combine biodiversity protection with local livelihood support.
- Digital health initiatives in Caribbean island nations that improve access to primary care and disease surveillance.
- Public‑private partnerships in Brazil and Mexico that finance green infrastructure projects, reducing carbon footprints while creating jobs.
Engagement with the Independent Group of Scientists
The Independent Group of Scientists, which drafts the technical core of the GSDR, used the consultation as a testing ground for its draft findings. By receiving direct feedback from regional experts, the group can refine its policy recommendations to better align with on‑the‑ground realities. This collaborative approach ensures that the final report will not only reflect global trends but also incorporate nuanced regional insights.
Next Steps and Ongoing Work
Following the consultation, the Independent Group will synthesize the shared evidence and integrate it into the 2027 GSDR draft. The report will then be circulated to a broader audience for comment before final publication. Meanwhile, national governments and civil society organizations are expected to use the consultation outcomes to inform their own SDG implementation plans and to strengthen regional coordination mechanisms.
Although the consultation was by invitation only, the outcomes are being shared publicly through UN DESA’s website and partner networks, ensuring transparency and wider dissemination of best practices.
In sum, the 2027 GSDR Regional Consultation in Quito represents a pivotal moment for Latin America and the Caribbean, offering a platform for knowledge exchange that will shape the region’s sustainable development trajectory for the next decade.
What Happens Next?
The final 2027 GSDR will be released later this year, incorporating the insights gathered from this and other regional consultations. Stakeholders can anticipate a more tailored set of recommendations that address the specific environmental, economic, and social dynamics of Latin America and the Caribbean, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of SDG implementation in the region.
Key facts
- UN DESA hosted the 2027 GSDR Regional Consultation in Quito on Sept. 29, 2026
- Stakeholders included scientists, policymakers, civil society, and private‑sector experts
- Key topics: human well‑being, energy decarbonization, governance, and regional cooperation
- Case studies highlighted renewable energy pilots, forest conservation, and digital health initiatives
- The Independent Group of Scientists used the event to refine report findings
- Consultation outcomes will inform national SDG implementation and regional coordination
Why it matters
The consultation ensures that the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report reflects the realities of Latin America and the Caribbean, providing policymakers with actionable, region‑specific guidance to accelerate SDG progress.
Frequently asked questions
Who was invited to the consultation?
The event was by invitation only and included scientists, policymakers, civil society representatives, private‑sector experts, and other stakeholders from across Latin America and the Caribbean.
What is the purpose of the 2027 GSDR?
It assesses global progress on the SDGs and provides policy guidance for the next decade, incorporating region‑specific evidence from consultations like this one.
How will the consultation influence the final report?
Feedback from participants will be integrated into the draft by the Independent Group of Scientists, ensuring that the report reflects real‑world experiences and scalable solutions.
Sources
- [1] sdgs.un.org — originally reported as “2027 Global Sustainable Development Report Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Consultation | Department of Economic and Social Affairs”
