Latin America and the Caribbean is at a decisive moment. While the region has achieved significant progress in political participation, rights, and freedoms, democracies today face mounting pressures that test their stability and ability to deliver results. Among the most critical challenges are persistent social and economic inequality and the rapid spread of disinformation—phenomena that, when intertwined, deepen divisions and weaken the consensus needed for inclusive development.

In this context, UNDP convenes the special dialogue “Democracy, Inequality, and Disinformation in Latin America and the Caribbean”, as part of the International Day of Democracy. A space to reflect on how these pressures affect democratic quality, explore opportunities to strengthen institutional resilience, promote equity, and ensure a plural and reliable information ecosystem.

This effort takes place ahead of the launch of the Latin America and the Caribbean Democracy and Development Report 2025, reaffirming UNDP’s commitment to fostering dialogue that generate ideas and practical approaches to revitalize democracy in the region.

Participants:

• Michelle Muschett – UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean

• Laura Chinchilla – Former President of Costa Rica

• Andrés Malamud – Political scientist and academic specializing in comparative political systems and governance in Latin America

• Carlos Benitez - UNDP Resident Representative in Guatemala