Innovations in the ELADES Program with Support from the ECLAC Library

The ELADES program is a joint effort of ECLAC, organized by the Productive Development and Business Division, and has been essential in training young individuals committed to the comprehensive development of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Library: An Essential Pillar for ELADES

The ECLAC Library plays a crucial role in the success of the program, according to Felipe: “The Library is not only a fundamental physical space for consulting bibliographic material but has also been the primary support in communication with students.”

In addition to providing access to essential resources, the Library manages the bibliographic resources, presentations, and class schedules, making it a key component in the program’s operation and student support.

Expanded focus and new direction

In the 2024 edition of the program, ELADES introduced significant changes. 

“One of the highlights this year is the incorporation of new professors who are collaborating with ELADES for the first time. This not only enriches the course content but also fosters greater integration among the different divisions and units of ECLAC.” notes Felipe Correa, program coordinator and researcher at the Productive Development and Business Division. 

All ten substantive divisions of ECLAC actively participated in the five modules of the program, promoting valuable knowledge exchange and diverse perspectives. 

The program has undergone significant changes, including a reorganization of the program. Previously structured in three modules (macroeconomics, microeconomics, and development), it now focuses on five dimensions of development: sustainable, political, economic, social, and personal. 

“This change means that the program is no longer directed solely at economists nor is it entirely focused on economic issues. It now welcomes students from various disciplines, bringing them together around the complexities of comprehensive development,” explains Felipe. 

The program's name change from “Advanced Studies Program in Latin American Economies” to “Development Policy Studies Program” reflects a greater emphasis on public policy issues. 

“The aim is to place more emphasis on public policy issues, as the diagnostics are already relatively well-known to students entering ELADES,” Felipe says. 

This adjustment ensures that the program remains relevant and aligned with the current needs of the regional environment and the students.  

International Collaboration and Future Initiatives  

ELADES has made progress in its international collaborations. Currently, ELADES staff are working with the United Nations University (UNU) to develop a joint diploma.  

“This will help bring ECLAC closer to the world of scientific production on development, from which we can benefit significantly and to which we can contribute our knowledge,” Felipe comments. 

The collaboration is expected to strengthen the link between ECLAC and the global academic community. 

Looking ahead, there are plans to focus on the political and personal dimensions of development. 

“We face the challenge of deepening the dimensions of political and personal development, which are relatively underdeveloped at ECLAC but are very important for comprehensive development,” Felipe highlights. 

This year, ELADES organized a seminar on political development, featuring a discussion among experts which included topics such as institutions, democracy, governance, and democratic support. Future editions are likely to feature additional seminars and studies on topics such as ethics and the psychology of human development to further explore the meaning of personal development. 

For more details about ELADES and information on how to apply for the 2025 edition, please visit the ELADES website.