Panama City will become the focal point for Latin American economic policy this week. The CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean is convening its International Economic Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean on January 28 and 29, 2026. The event gathers heads of state, multilateral representatives, and academic experts to address pressing challenges related to growth, stability, and sustainable development across the region.
This high-level meeting arrives during a period of global economic fragmentation. Organizers aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Latin American moment, focusing on the delicate balances required to maintain fiscal credibility. A core goal involves identifying pathways to dynamic and sustainable growth for the coming decade.
“This forum is a crucial space for dialogue on the structural challenges facing our region,” said Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF. [Translated from Spanish] He emphasized the need for collaborative strategies to navigate a complex international landscape.
The forum’s agenda is structured around three central pillars: macroeconomic stability, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability. These themes are viewed as interconnected engines for regional progress. Discussions will tackle sensitive issues like international trade, which is experiencing significant multilateral strain.
Global Voices Address Latin American Challenges
A notable roster of regional presidents will deliver key addresses. Confirmed leaders include José Raúl Mulino of Panama, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and Daniel Noboa of Ecuador. Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala, Gustavo Petro of Colombia, and Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness are also scheduled to participate.
The academic perspective will feature Nobel laureates in Economics. James Robinson, the 2024 winner, and Philippe Aghion, the 2025 recipient, are set to present their analyses. Furthermore, theoretical physicist and futurist Michio Kaku will deliver a keynote speech. He is expected to outline how artificial intelligence and the digital economy are redefining global competitiveness.
Trade policy represents one of the most urgent topics. The advance of protectionism, geopolitical disputes, and a push for strategic autonomy by major powers is forcing Latin American and Caribbean nations to reconsider their global trade integration. The forum will explore new commercial rules and the construction of shared agendas with partners in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Detailed Agenda Focuses on Structural Reforms
Deep debates on structural challenges and emerging opportunities are anticipated. Sessions on stability and growth will examine fiscal frameworks, debt management, and productivity. These factors are considered key to strengthening medium-term competitiveness and ensuring Macroeconomic Stability.
The digital transformation track will explore AI’s impact on employment. It will also identify the critical skills necessary to prevent Latin America from falling behind in the technological revolution. Environmental sessions will focus on converting the region’s natural wealth into climate solutions. This includes managing the energy transition, decarbonization, and developing critical minerals like copper.
Social development remains a parallel priority. Specific panels will address gender equality within financial ecosystems. The role of social housing as an engine for integral development and job generation will also be scrutinized. Conversations are expected to range from the blue economy to water security and results-oriented diplomacy.
The forum’s scale underscores its importance. The 2025 edition attracted over 2,000 in-person attendees to Panama and generated more than 350,000 streaming views. It facilitated over 300 networking meetings and featured 150 global leaders from 15 countries across 50 specialized sessions. Similar engagement is expected this year.
For Panama, hosting the event reinforces its position as a regional hub for diplomacy and finance. The discussions will directly inform the policy approaches of the region. Outcomes may influence national strategies on issues from trade to technology, topics frequently covered by analysts like Yolanda Sandoval. The forum provides a direct channel for leaders to align on collective responses to global economic pressures.
As a key regional financial institution, the CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean designed this forum to translate dialogue into actionable policy. The coming days will reveal whether the assembled leaders can forge a coherent vision for a region at a crossroads.