Seminar presentation by the ECLAC Water Resources Team at ELADES

The seminar, held at ELADES, attracted an audience of researchers and students dedicated to development studies in Latin America and the Caribbean. ELADES’ mission is to conduct research and teaching focused on the development process in the region, publishing relevant studies in various disciplines and offering a Program of Studies on Development Policies for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The discussion focused on the water transition, focusing on the topic “Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Water Transition in Latin America and the Caribbean: Challenges and Opportunities to Achieve SDG 6”, led by Dr. Silvia Saravia Matus, Economic Affairs Officer of the Water, Energy and Biodiversity Unit of ECLAC’s Natural Resources Division.

During this presentation, the critical role of water in health, climate and economy was highlighted, providing a detailed overview of the current state of water resources in the region. Significant disparities were noted, with 51% of the LAC population lacking access to safely managed sanitation services and 25% lacking access to safely managed drinking water services, particularly affecting rural areas.

Challenges discussed included increasing water scarcity and pollution due to insufficient wastewater treatment, deteriorating infrastructure causing significant water losses, and economic inequality affecting access to water services. The impact of climate change was also addressed, which has doubled water-related disasters in recent years, significantly affecting regional economies and livelihoods.

ECLAC initiatives, including the Global Acceleration Framework for SDG 6, were highlighted as crucial to achieving sustainable water management. This framework focuses on financing, data and information, capacity development, innovation and governance. The importance of strengthening institutional capacities and fostering cooperation among stakeholders was emphasized as essential steps.

The seminar concluded with a call to invest in water infrastructure and governance to achieve SDG 6 and related goals. A sustainable and inclusive water transition is expected to bring significant socioeconomic and environmental benefits to the region, contributing to overall development and resilience. The event provided valuable insights and practical examples of how LAC countries can address water challenges and move towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.