IDB, World Bank and CAF join forces to tackle transnational organized crime in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank and CAF (Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean) have announced a new partnership to enhance cooperation in addressing the growing threat of transnational organized crime in Latin America and the Caribbean. The agreement was unveiled at the Regional Security Summit, held in Guayaquil on August 19-20 and hosted by Ecuador’s Ministry of the Interior and the IDB. The summit included key regional leaders, including Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and Interior Minister Mónica Palencia, as well as interior and justice ministers from 13 other countries.

The cooperation agreement outlines five key areas of focus:

Knowledge and research production and dissemination: Increasing understanding of organised crime through in-depth research and wide dissemination of findings.

Academic collaboration and development: Strengthening partnerships with academic institutions to develop expertise and innovative approaches.

Involvement of policy makers and experts: Facilitating dialogue and collaboration between policymakers, experts and stakeholders to develop effective strategies.

Statistical integration and standardization: Improving the quality and consistency of crime data, enabling better analysis and decision-making.

Policy support and resource mobilization: Exploring possibilities to co-finance and develop the capacity of crime prevention policies and to mobilise resources to combat organised crime more effectively.

IDB President Ilan Goldfajn stressed the importance of this partnership, saying it will help coordinate efforts in the region to combat organized crime, a major contributor to the growing security crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean.

World Bank Vice-President for Latin America and the Caribbean Carlos Felipe Jaramillo stressed the critical role of addressing violence and organized crime in promoting economic growth and eradicating poverty in the region. He noted that the partnership will facilitate the development of solutions that can improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean.

CAF Executive President Sergio Díaz-Granados noted the alarming homicide rates in the region, largely driven by organized crime, and stressed the need for a deeper understanding of the issue. He expressed confidence that the multilateral agreement would provide the insights needed to combat this rising wave of violence, which is essential for sustainable development.

After signing the agreement, the three institutions will develop a roadmap to guide their joint efforts to achieve the set goals.