The Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) commemorates its 50th anniversary on 17 October, an auspicious date to reaffirm its commitment to integration, intra-regional cooperation and the economic and social development of Latin America and the Caribbean.

In this regard, the Permanent Secretary of SELA, Ambassador Lesly David, highlighted the relevance of the organisation, especially in the current socio-economic context, as a promoter of cooperation for the well-being of the region. “Today more than ever, Latin America and the Caribbean need to speak with one voice. And to achieve this, coordination and convergence are tasks that cannot be postponed,” said the Permanent Secretary of SELA.

“Today, faced with the challenges of the present, we reaffirm our commitment to boosting economic recovery; promoting productive investment; facilitating trade and interconnectivity; strengthening the SME ecosystem; advancing energy integration; fostering comprehensive disaster risk management; and promoting a more comprehensive vision of human mobility in our region,” he added.

SELA was established on 17 October 1975 through the signing of the Panama Convention in response to the need to create a permanent system for consultation, coordination and cooperation among the countries of the region. That historic agreement, signed by 24 sovereign Latin American and Caribbean States, laid down the principles of equality, sovereignty, solidarity, non-intervention and mutual respect, which continue to guide the work of the organisation half a century later.

Over the past 50 years, SELA has been a regional benchmark in the coordination of public policies, the promotion of consensus and the strengthening of integration mechanisms. Its commitment to integration has been expressed in the development of a regional cooperation agenda, currently focused on three main areas: Economic Recovery, Digitalisation and Infrastructure, and Social Development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Currently, under the leadership of Ambassador Lesly David, who was elected Permanent Secretary in June of this year, the organisation continues its strategic renewal process in order to respond to contemporary challenges in promoting a more resilient, convergent, and united region.

On this 50th anniversary, SELA reaffirms its mission to work towards a more integrated Latin America and the Caribbean, where regional cooperation is the driving force for overcoming structural gaps, promoting sustainable development and strengthening the region’s voice on the international stage.