ELADES program innovations with the support of the ECLAC Library

The ELADES programme is a joint effort of ECLAC, organized by the Division of Productive and Business Development, and has been fundamental in the training of young people committed to the integral development of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Library: An Essential Pillar for ELADES

The ECLAC Library plays a crucial role in the success of the program, according to Felipe: “The Library is not only a fundamental physical space for consulting bibliographic material, but it has also been the primary support in communication with students.”

In addition to providing access to essential resources, the Library manages the uploading of bibliographies, website submissions, and the development of the class calendar, being a key part of the program’s operation and student support.

New Approach and Relevance of the Program

One of the most notable changes has been the reorganization of the program. Previously structured in three modules (macroeconomics, microeconomics and development), it now focuses on five dimensions of development: sustainable, political, economic, social and personal.

“This change means that the programme is no longer aimed only at economists, nor is it entirely focused on economic issues. It now welcomes students from various disciplines, bringing them together around the complexities of integral development,” explains Felipe.

The name change of the program from “Advanced Studies Program in Latin American Economies” to “Development Policy Studies Program” reflects a greater emphasis on public policy issues.

“The desire is to put greater emphasis on public policy issues, since the diagnoses are already relatively well known by the students who come to ELADES,” says Felipe.

This adjustment ensures that the program remains relevant and aligned with the current needs of the regional environment and students.

International Collaboration and Future Initiatives

ELADES has also made progress in its international collaborations. Currently, it is working with the United Nations University (UNU) to develop a joint diploma.

“This will help bring ECLAC closer to the world of scientific production on development, from which we can draw important insights and to which we can contribute our knowledge,” says Felipe.

This collaboration will strengthen the link between ECLAC and the global academic community.

Looking ahead, it is planned to delve deeper into the dimensions of political and personal development.

“We have the challenge of deepening the dimensions of political and personal development, which are relatively less elaborated in ECLAC and which are very important for comprehensive development,” Felipe points out.

This year, ELADES has held a seminar on political development, with a conversation between experts on topics of institutions, democracy, governance and democratic support. Future editions will probably include additional seminars and studies on topics such as ethics and psychology of human development to also delve deeper into the meaning of personal development.

For more details about ELADES and to find out how to apply for the 2025 edition, please consult the ELADES website.