Latin America and the Caribbean

Despite recent progress, more than one-quarter of Latin America’s population lives in poverty. The region has some of the highest homicide rates in the world. Challenges also include social and economic inequality, degraded coastal ecosystems, disease, and natural disasters.

Research focus

We believe that research and innovation hold the keys to progress. Since the early 1970s, we have supported practical solutions through the skillful interaction of ideas, people, and funding for development research and policies.

At times, the projects we support cross borders and boundaries, bringing together development practitioners in several countries. Our projects that capitalize on local and global knowledge bring strength to our quest for lasting solutions.

Our aim? Long-term sustainability of development in Latin America and the Caribbean through economic growth, equitable access to health and social services, sustainable natural resources, and civil security. And we are making important progress.

Regional office

Located in Montevideo, Uruguay, IDRC’s regional office for Latin America and the Caribbean coordinates our activities in 33 countries.

Explore research projects that we support.

View all projects

Research in action

Research in Action

KIX regional hubs

Research in Action

Improving climate resilience in Latin American cities

Research in Action

Better tools for the private sector to measure what matters

Research in Action

New InnoVet-AMR projects

Research in Action

It’s about time: Research that tackles gender inequality at its roots

Research in Action

Why data matters to gender equality

View all

Perspectives

When there are no records of women and girls: the ripple effect

Author(s):

Irina Dincu

Nomthandazo Malambo

A targeted response to the learning crisis: the GPE Knowledge and Innovation Exchange

Significant progress is needed to improve education quality in developing countries.

Author(s):

Alice Albright

Jean Lebel

Finding solutions for cities on the frontline of climate change

The world’s cities must become part of the solution for climate change.

Author(s):

Dominique Charron

Santiago Alba-Corral

Through books, articles, research publications, and studies, we aim to widen the impact of our investment and advance development research.

View all

Solutions for economic empowerment

Watch how we invest in research that is improving incomes, creating job opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and transforming local challenges into economic wins.

Regional office

Montevideo, Uruguay

Juncal 1385, Piso 14
11000 Montevideo, Uruguay
Phone: (+598) 2915-0492

Sign up to receive the latest updates from IDRC’s office in Latin America and the Caribbean.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive emails from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive, or by contacting us directly. For more information on our privacy practices, please review our Privacy Policy.