Santiago, Chile – April 2026
The Institute for Peace and Development (IPADES) participated in the 2026 Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, held from April 13 to 16 at the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile.
Representing the organization was Enrique Martínez, President of IPADES, who joined discussions and exchanges with government officials, international organizations, civil society representatives, academic institutions, private sector leaders, and youth delegates from across the region.
IPADES’ participation reflects its ongoing commitment to promoting peaceful, democratic, and inclusive societies capable of advancing sustainable human development. From the organization’s perspective, sustainable development cannot be reduced to economic growth or technical indicators alone. Rather, it must be built upon the principles of human dignity, civic participation, respect for fundamental rights, and strong democratic institutions.
During the Forum, IPADES emphasized the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to development that recognizes freedom as a cross-cutting condition for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization believes that individuals must have the ability to express themselves freely, associate with others, innovate, participate in public life, and hold institutions accountable if societies are to become more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable.
ECLAC highlighted during the event that Latin America and the Caribbean continue to face significant challenges in meeting the targets established under the 2030 Agenda. In light of this assessment, IPADES stressed the need to strengthen institutional capacity, encourage regional cooperation, and foster environments that enable meaningful citizen participation in public decision-making processes.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Enrique Martínez noted that sustainable development challenges cannot be addressed solely through technical solutions.
“Freedom is a condition for development. Without open institutions, citizen participation, and accountability, it becomes increasingly difficult to build sustainable and prosperous societies,” said Enrique Martínez, President of IPADES, during the Forum.
Martínez further emphasized that strengthening democratic institutions and civic engagement is essential to generating long-term prosperity, social cohesion, and shared opportunity throughout the region.
IPADES also highlighted the strategic role of young people in shaping the future of Latin America and the Caribbean. The organization believes that younger generations should not be viewed merely as observers of international discussions, but as key actors in designing and implementing solutions to the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the region.
Furthermore, IPADES underscored the value of multilateral spaces such as the ECLAC Forum, which facilitate dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of experiences among governments, civil society, academia, and international organizations. At a time marked by inequality, migration pressures, insecurity, disinformation, and institutional fragility, such collaboration is essential for developing effective and sustainable long-term solutions.
The organization’s participation in the Forum reaffirms its mission to advance peace, democracy, human rights, active citizenship, and institutional strengthening. IPADES will continue promoting regional dialogue and advocacy initiatives that contribute to building societies where freedom, justice, and human development remain inseparable pillars of a sustainable future.
About IPADES
The Institute for Peace and Development (IPADES) is an organization dedicated to advancing peace, democracy, human rights, civic participation, and institutional development. Through research, dialogue, education, and public engagement, IPADES works to strengthen democratic values and promote sustainable development opportunities throughout Mexico and Latin America.
