On speaking at the forum on the issue, organized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Quarless listed the problems undermining progress in the region, including exposure to external shocks and the devastating impact of climate change.

Added to this are the consequences of Covid-19, an external debt that represents between 5% and 6% of Gross Domestic Product, high poverty rates, low job creation, migration of skilled people and an aging population.

“The promise of the 2030 Agenda remains a dream for small island States,” she said.

Given this reality, the area needs financing for development, support from partnerships, South-South and triangular cooperation, she noted.

All these issues will be addressed at the 4th conference on sustainable development, to be held in May in Antigua and Barbuda.

ef/omr/ro/car