Trust: The Key to Social Cohesion and Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean

Please join Ryan C. Berg, Senior Fellow of the CSIS Americas Program for a virtual discussion on the Inter-American Development Bank’s publication titled Trust: The Key to Social Cohesion and Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Trust is essential in any community or nation to generate a foundation for inclusive growth and productivity. In Latin America and the Caribbean, trust levels have fallen dramatically. Between 2010 and 2022, fewer than 3 out of 10 Latin American and Caribbean constituents trusted their governments. Citizens often lack the means to hold their governments accountable and demand better public services, further eroding trust. Rampant opportunistic behavior, unkept promises, rights violations, and efforts to undermine transparency are challenges confronting Latin America and the Caribbean.

This event will discuss the imperative of social cohesion to generating economic growth, the importance of trust to effective public policy, and the power of information and transparency. To restore trust and make information accessible, the Inter-American Development Bank is generating key paths to strengthening education and regulatory institutions, reducing barriers to entry in the private sector, and at a broader level, encouraging governments to fulfill promises. During this event, the book’s authors will share their insights regarding the building blocks of trust and the critical need for forward-looking polices and comprehensive reform agendas.

This event was made possible through general support to the Americas Program.