Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA]

Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA] is an active regional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the UN. It was founded on February 25, 1948, and became functional in the same year.

The commission has its headquarters in Santiago, Chile and it was established with the goal of enhancing the economic development in Latin America, strengthening ties among countries and with other nations, and coordinating the activities undertaken to achieve the goal.

Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA] Significance

The regions of the Caribbean were eventually added to the commission's scope and the ECLA was renamed to Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). Its Spanish acronym was CEPAL which remains the same after the resolution of 1984 for the name change.

The subregional headquarters was established in 1951 in Mexico City to meet the needs of the subregion of Central America and other subregional headquarter was founded in 1966 for the Caribbean in Port of Spain, the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago. The Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA] also has offices in Montevideo, Bogata, Brasilia, Buenos Aires and a liaison office in Washington D.C.

Organizational Structure of Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA]

The Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA] has 46 member states that comprise the 33 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America along with some nations of North America, Asia, and Europe that hold cultural, economic, and historical relationships with the region.

The first-ever Executive Sectary of the commission was Gustavo Martinez Cabanas from Mexico. Alicia Barcena Ibarra, a Mexican biologist assumed the position of the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission For Latin America in 2008 and has been serving it presently.

Activities of The Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA]

The commission makes varied efforts and takes measures to help the member countries progress economically. The primary objective of the body also includes promoting its social development. ECLA tries to promote development through cooperation and integration of various regions and subregions.

It collects, organizes, interprets, and disseminates data pertaining to the regions' social and economic development. It also undertakes research, studies, and other activities within the commission terms.

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Facts About Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA]

The Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA] is responsible for creating and promoting cooperation activities and projects for the development of the regions and subregions that align with the needs and priorities of specific areas and serves as an executing agency for the projects. It also helps bring a regional perspective to global issues and introduces the global problems at regional levels.

The commission even organizes intergovernmental meetings and conferences and conducts training seminars, workshops, and symposia. It is also in charge of coordinating the commission's activities with those of other offices and departments at the United Nations.

Despite bringing plenty of value to the region, with an increase in real incomes, and exports, the benefits have often been uneven.

Critics also point out the prevalence of social problems in the region, with an under-nourished population, lack of education, and inept healthcare facilities.

This, however, fails to cast doubt on the significance of the Economic Commission For Latin America for the region, with the rising tide of economic development, eventually lifting all boats.

FAQs on Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA]

Q.1 When and where was The Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA] created?

The Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA] was founded on 25th February 1948 under the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Resolution.

Q.2 Why was the Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA] established?

The Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA] was created with the objective of bringing about economic development in Latin America.

Q.3 What are the functions of the Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA]?

The Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA] essentially works toward economic, social and environmentally sustainable development in Latin America and Caribbean regions through international cooperation and diplomacy.

Q.4 Where is Latin America?

It consists of the whole South American continent along with Central America, Mexico, and the islands of the Caribbean, all of which are member nations of the Economic Commission For Latin America [ECLA].