Author Bio
Paula Peláez
Paula Pelaez is the Director of MSME, Gender, Diversity and Inclusion, Advisory Services, at IDB Invest. Paula and her team support clients and the region in promoting inclusive and sustainable through improved business practices and innovative financing instruments. She has over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of private sector and development in Africa, Asia and Latin America. She has worked with UNDP, BSR, CARE Canada, Aga Khan Foundation, and Grupo Aval on various topics such as inclusive business, sustainable sourcing, business and human rights, women empowerment, value chain development, impact investing and microfinance. Paula has a MSc in Environmental Studies from York University, Canada, and a BSc in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de los Andes, Colombia.
Posts by Paula Peláez
Seeking a Just, Gender-Conscious Climate Transition
The net-zero transition will struggle to move ahead if it’s not gender-conscious and doesn’t meet the needs of entire communities across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Four Ways to Put the Circular Economy to Work for Your Company
The circular economy is tailor-made to tackle climate change and to shepherd the limited natural resources we depend on. In past years, we have seen a tremendous uptake of this agenda in the region, both in terms of policies and public initiatives as well as private sector action.
As ESG Investors Look for Returns, Sustainability-Linked Bonds are the Hot New Thing
SLBs are new type of ESG-friendly bonds with variable coupons tied to sustainability targets. As opposed to green, social or sustainable bonds, issuance proceeds are not tied to specific green or social projects or assets; the focus is on the company’s ability to meet its commitments.
The Digitization of Financial Cooperatives, a Must for Inclusion
The digitization of financial cooperatives, a fundamental component of the financial sector in the region, is accelerating. There are numerous examples of progress, from Ecuador to Jamaica, that provide grounds for optimism.
Three Ways to Support the Resilience of MSMEs to Overcome COVID-19
For MSMEs, the response to COVID-19 requires not only ensuring their survival in the short term, it also requires evaluating possible scenarios to align recovery efforts. For this, it is essential to strengthen their resilience.
The Case for Unlocking the Circular Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean
Circular economy (CE) presents an opportunity for an inclusive and resource-smart future. It is also a chance for Latin America and the Caribbean to depart from an incremental into a transformative change.