Sustainable BusinessRecent posts
Latin America and the Caribbean at the forefront of energy and technological progress
The region is rich in essential minerals and has the potential to develop its value chains. Countries must overcome several challenges to take advantage of these resources and their benefits. This requires transparency, governance, and attracting private investment.
We Helped a Solar Plant Hire More Women. Will the Industry Follow Suit?
The Lucayas Solar Power Project in the Bahamas marked a milestone by pioneering the integration of women in the construction of solar photovoltaic plants. What we learned in the process can help other companies’ commitment to gender equity.
Overcoming Three Challenges to Unlock the Potential of Green Hydrogen
Several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have an adequate renewable energy generation capacity, abundant water resources and other favorable conditions to diversify the power generation matrices and decarbonize energy-intensive industrial segments. Breaking down legal, regulatory, financial, technical and market barriers can help them lead the charge on clean energy initiatives.
What do Peru and South Korea have in common?
* By Jorge Roldán, Chief of the IIC’s Technical Assistance and Strategic Partnerships Division, and Helga Flores, Principal IIC External Relations Advisor Since Peru and South Korea signed a free trade agreement in 2011, the Andean country has risen into fourth place among its competitors in the region that export to Korea. Today, the land of the Inca sells almost a third more to Korea than it did three years ago and is becoming increasingly important as the nerve center of exchange between Latin America and the Asian tiger.
ConnectAmericas Infrastructure Community
Boosting private, sustainable infrastructure investment in Latin America and the Caribbean * By Francisco Estrázulas Latin American and Caribbean governments are paving the way for increased private investment in infrastructure. The region is expected to invest at least US$1.5 trillion in infrastructure projects over the next decade, offering huge opportunities for investors and companies in the engineering and construction fields, as well as the myriad of other sectors involved in the infrastructure supply chains.
From Boys to Men: How inclusive business in the Caribbean drives social and financial returns
*By Stefan Wright and Cynthia Hobbs Sometimes one opportunity can change a person’s life. That seems to be the case for Mr. Keefa Harris of Kingston, Jamaica. Keefa received training in steel work under an IDB-funded Citizen Security & Justice Program. His interest and dedication set him apart as a star participant.
Corporate Governance: A match made in heaven or a relationship on the rocks?
As in romance, a company and its corporate governance structure can be a match made in heaven. Together they can ensure greater competitiveness, transparency and access to international financial markets. Consequently this attracts more investors to the country. And while the “perfect marriage” does not exist, when it comes to family business, corporate governance fosters harmony. If handled poorly, it can put the relationship on the rocks, making it problematic, uncomfortable, and at risk of corporate failure.
Diversity and financial returns in higher education in Peru
How the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola revolutionizes access to higher education while still staying competitive By Bettina Boekle, Social Sustainability Specialist, IDB Would you believe me if I told you that in a large, prestigious Peruvian university, 97 percent of the students receiving a governmental scholarship self-identified as indigenous and speak numerous native languages amongst themselves? Yes, the 97 percent is real. Less and less is higher education in Peru attainable only for the upper class. Thanks to scholarship program Beca 18, Peru is offering free access to higher education for students from low-income families and remote areas of Peru. And the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL) is becoming a more diverse institution. To offer more entry points, for example to a growing emerging middle class, this week USIL and the IDB are officially launching an innovative student guarantee fund coupled with a clear implementation map around the principle of shared value.
Financing for Women Entrepreneurs, Key for Economic Recovery
Support for the sizeable number of women entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean must include a gender perspective to achieve economic recovery. This implies either specific funding or collateral programs to lower risks for financial institutions.
