In an international context marked by geopolitical transformations, trade tensions, and a growing demand for economic and institutional resilience, Latin America and the Caribbean play an increasingly relevant role in shaping a stable, inclusive, and sustainable international order for the 21st century. Within this framework, the deepening of ties between the OECD and the region, the advancement of ongoing accession processes, and cooperation—not only at the country level but also with various regional integration blocs—is essential and will be a subject of debate. The available evidence will be examined on how the rapprochement of countries in the region has a decisive impact on two crucial objectives of the current moment: positioning as a reliable partner in global value chains, and regional integration through connectivity and the configuration of regional chains, as well as regulatory harmonization.

This session offers a space for frank dialogue to build a vision for the future that will guide the relationship between the Organisation and Latin America and the Caribbean over the next ten years. This turning point opens an opportunity to project a more ambitious, two-way relationship: a LAC region that continues to strengthen its public policies and regulatory frameworks, consolidating its leading role as a 21st-century actor, and a more open OECD, connected to Latin American realities and capable of contributing effectively to regional integration priorities and processes.

The revitalized OECD–LAC partnership seeks to promote synergies with regional and multilateral processes. The Implementation Plan of the Strategic Framework, launched at the Ministerial Council Meeting on June 3-4, 2026, aims to contribute to effective multilateralism by better supporting regional integration mechanisms (Mercosur, Pacific Alliance, SICA, CARICOM) and exploring new opportunities with development banks and international organizations. This session offers a space for dialogue between international organizations and countries to work together and avoid the duplication of efforts.

Since 2024, the OECD Development Centre and the Inter-American Development Bank have joined forces around a new publication, the Caribbean Development Dynamics (CDD), focused exclusively on the region. More recently, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation and the Caribbean Development Bank have joined as partners in this publication, which serves as a platform for dialogue to foster closer engagement with Caribbean stakeholders. These efforts are directly aligned with the objective of the Implementation Plan of the OECD–LAC Strategic Framework, which envisages the development of targeted initiatives with the Caribbean, taking into account its particular challenges, including those faced by small island developing states (SIDS). Building on the findings of the CDD 2026: Investing in sustainable and resilient development, this session seeks to deepen the engagement and involvement of Caribbean countries with OECD discussions within committees, working groups and regional networks.