“The COVID-19 pandemic has hard hit Latin America and the Caribbean, a region where socioeconomic gaps remain visible and severe, while the war in Ukraine, with its consequences on the price of raw materials, energy and basic goods, exposes all of us to a possible global economic crisis, as well as to growing risks, including a serious food emergency; unfortunately, Latin America and the Caribbean are not exempt from such emergency.” These were the words spoken by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Marina Sereni, at the virtual event “Towards an inclusive and sustainable recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean”, promoted by the Government of Costa Rica and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
Deputy Minister Sereni said: “Italy and Latin America and the Caribbean are linked by a special relationship and a common heritage, based on shared values of peace, democracy, multilateralism. There are deep cultural, political, economic and social ties between our Country and the region, also thanks to the dynamism of the large Italian community residing in Latin America, and the equally significant Latin American and Caribbean community residing in Italy. Latin America and the Caribbean regions have great potential to develop energy from renewable sources and very valuable experiences to share. The prospects for a green transition in this area seem more favourable than in other world regions.” Deputy Minister Sereni explains: “In addition to public interventions, the private sector is key to accelerating such transition. Italy is active in Latin America, with some renowned companies in the energy industry investing in renewables, power networks, sustainable mobility and green hydrogen.”
Sereni also added: “The relationship between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean is of strategic importance. We need to face huge common challenges to reduce inequalities and get closer to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.”
