Five years from the deadline for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Latin America and the Caribbean, progress has fallen short of expectations a decade ago when the journey began. Many factors have impeded better progress: weak institutional capacities, limited financing and fiscal space, low growth for major trading partners, the shock of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and subsequent cascading crises. In 2025, these factors have been compounded by geopolitical tensions and disruptions that may pose new obstacles for achievement of the SDGs, as well as new opportunities.

Amid this complex landscape and five years from 2030, countries must urgently pick up the pace of their efforts, which requires a combination of internal and external action.

Internally, it is imperative to increase the capacity to manage transformations by strengthening governance mechanisms in all policy areas; the technical, operational, political and prospective capabilities of relevant institutions; and social dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders: national and subnational governments, the private sector, civil society, the legislature, academia and international cooperation agencies.

Externally, countries must work together in international forums on the themes outlined in the Pact for the Future, especially on the reform of the international financial architecture to mobilize resources for financing development and the investment needed to achieve the Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.