ECLAC, one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, is based in Santiago, Chile. Mexico is a founding member and will take over as chair from Peru for the 2016-2018 period.
The event, being held at the Foreign Ministry in Mexico City, brings together representatives from the 45 member countries and 13 associate members. More than 30 ministers and deputy ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Economy, Production, Trade, Planning, Social Development and Women’s Affairs will participate, in addition to other authorities.
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto inaugurated the meeting on May 24th at the Los Pinos Official Residence, saying that ECLAC plays an essential role in creating a region that is united in its wellbeing, inclusive development and prosperity. Also attending the inauguration were Paola Bustamante, Minister of Development and Social Inclusion of Peru, and ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena, who said that Latin America and the Caribbean should promote a gradual transformation that puts equality at the center of development.
In a statement, ECLAC reported that, in Mexico, "officials will present a report on its activities and will offer governments a reflection upon development strategies in the context of the commitments contained in the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in the position paper entitled Horizons 2030: Equality at the Center of Sustainable Development, which will be delivered at the meeting."