Government officials, civil society representatives, and participants from across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have convened in Cartagena, Colombia for the fifth session of the Regional Conference on Population and Development of Latin America and the Caribbean. This significant event has focused on evaluating and advancing the principles of the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development, established a decade ago.

The Montevideo Consensus serves as a crucial regional framework, emphasizing equality, reproductive health, and family planning. Across plenaries, sessions, and conversations, attendees have underscored the importance of reaffirming the relevance of the Montevideo Consensus as member states prepare to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

As the LAC region stands at a pivotal juncture, this conference has highlighted the urgent need to address persistent challenges, including sexual violence, adolescent pregnancy, and child marriage, which continue to disproportionately affect women and girls.

Susana Sottoli, the LAC Regional Director for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), expressed optimism about the conference’s potential impact. "We hope these discussions translate into tangible results, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive," she stated.

The collaborative efforts and shared commitments at this gathering aim to ensure health, prosperity, safety, and societal inclusion for all in the LAC region. Participants remain hopeful that the deliberations and resolutions catalyze real and lasting change, propelling the region towards a more equitable and sustainable future.