Sustainable business in action: the Latin America and the Caribbean Leaders Forum

Latin America and the Caribbean generates roughly 70 per cent of its electricity from renewables, more than double the global average. With nearly 670 million people, an economy of more than US$7 trillion and some of the richest natural resources on the planet, the region has enormous potential to lead global sustainable solutions. That is why business leaders will gather in Montevideo, Uruguay, on 3–4 November for the United Nations Global Compact Latin America and the Caribbean Leaders Forum, to chart the next phase of sustainable business in the region.

From renewable energy and critical minerals to biodiversity and innovation, the region is well placed for strong business action. It is the second-highest region globally for participation in the UN Global Compact, with approximately 4,500 participating companies and 11 Country Networks.

Yet inequality, regulatory barriers, climate change and nature loss remain challenges that no company can tackle in isolation. Historically, business leadership in the region has been organized largely at the national level. Now, companies are joining forces across borders to scale impact.

The Forum will mark the launch of the Latin America Business Leaders Coalition (LBLC), bringing CEOs together around a stronger, more unified regional voice for sustainable business.

The LBLC has been shaped with and by its founding CEOs, who set its agenda, governance and commitments from the outset. Member companies are already driving action on climate, nature and social inclusion.

The Forum will also connect Country Networks with thousands of businesses across the region, supporting them as they translate sustainability commitments into action. By bringing diverse stakeholders together across industries and borders, it helps scale solutions no single company could deliver alone.

Latin America and the Caribbean already has the natural resources, the clean energy base and a strong community of committed companies. What comes next depends on how effectively business leaders turn that advantage into collective action. 

Montevideo is the starting point, and the UN Global Compact looks forward to working with businesses across the region to build on the momentum.