a women sitting in front of a solar panel

Where we work

Latin America and the Caribbean

Our Impact

97

percent

of people in the region have access to electricity

≈ 10

percent

of the population still lack access to clean cooking

43

percent

of the region’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy sector

64

percent

of the region’s electricity is generated from clean sources

Our Focus

UNDP is at the forefront of driving sustainable energy solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), tailoring interventions to country-specific needs through an integrated approach that builds on decades of development expertise.

UNDP’s work is anchored in three building blocks: promoting a just energy transition through long-term strategies and planning, ensuring clean and reliable energy access for households, and enhancing energy resilience for communities affected by crises, conflicts, and natural disasters. These efforts prioritize the interplay between energy, biodiversity, and local economies, placing gender equality, indigenous rights, and youth empowerment at the heart of interventions.

Key strategic actions include unlocking capital through blended finance, introducing green and sustainable debt instruments, advancing innovation through public-private dialogues, and implementing reforms for clean transport and fossil fuel subsidies. UNDP also aims to support integrated clean energy solutions in vulnerable areas, including the Amazon region, by aligning energy access with bioeconomic opportunities. Together, these initiatives propel the LAC region toward a low-carbon, equitable, and prosperous energy future.