The United Nations operates globally, but its impact is often felt most strongly at the regional and local levels. In Latin America and the Caribbean, a crucial framework for UN action is the Regional Collaborative Platform for Latin America and the Caribbean (RCP LAC). Established in November 2020, the RCP LAC marks a significant step in enhancing the UN’s effectiveness in this diverse region. It evolved from reforms initiated by the United Nations Secretary-General, replacing previous mechanisms to create a more agile and responsive system.
The primary goal of the RCP LAC is to ensure a coordinated, collaborative, and efficient UN development system tailored to the specific needs of Latin American and Caribbean nations. This platform is designed to be demand-driven and results-oriented, maximizing the impact of UN expertise and resources across the region. By fostering stronger regional cooperation, the RCP LAC amplifies the support provided by UN country teams at the national level, all in service of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Leadership of the RCP LAC is strategically structured to ensure broad representation and effective direction. It is chaired by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, with key regional figures serving as Vice-Chairs: the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This leadership team guides the platform’s 24 participating UN entities, each contributing their regional expertise across the three pillars of the UN: peace and security, development, and human rights. A dedicated Joint Secretariat, comprising ECLAC, UNDCO, and UNDP, supports the platform’s operations and ensures smooth coordination among its members.
The breadth of the RCP LAC’s reach is evident in its diverse membership, encompassing a wide range of specialized UN agencies and departments. These entities bring focused expertise to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Below are the members that constitute this vital regional platform:
ECLAC
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
DPPA
Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
IFAD
International Fund for Agricultural Development
ILO
International Labour Organization
IOM
International Organization for Migration
OCHA
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
OHCHR
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
PAHO | WHO
Pan American Health Organization | World Health Organization
UNAIDS
United Nations Program on HIV / AIDS
UNDCO
United Nations Development Coordination Office
UNDRR
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
UNEP
UN Environment Programme
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNFPA
United Nations Population Fund
UN-HABITAT
United Nations Human Settlements Programme
UNHCR
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNIDO
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
UNODC
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
UNICEF
United Nations Children’s Fund
UNOPS
United Nations Office for Project Services
UN-WOMEN
United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women
WFP
World Food Programme
In conclusion, the RCP LAC serves as the central framework for UN operational effectiveness and programmatic coherence in Latin America and the Caribbean. It embodies the UN’s commitment to regionalized sustainable development, ensuring that the diverse nations within this region receive tailored and impactful support in their journey towards achieving the SDGs and the broader 2030 Agenda. For anyone seeking to understand where the UN’s development focus is directed within the Americas, the RCP LAC provides a clear and comprehensive answer: firmly and strategically in Latin America and the Caribbean.
