We are launching a regional essay competition for Caribbean youth aged 18-29 to share their ideas on poverty and development. This competition gives university-level students a platform to propose solutions and contribute to the conversation on sustainable development, economic growth, and resilience in the region.
The theme for the opinion essay aligns with a forthcoming report on jobs and poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and the region’s efforts on End Poverty Day, 2024. In LAC, having a job is no longer enough to break free from poverty. In 2023, despite decades of progress, 1 in 4 people still lived below the poverty line. The region has made strides, but fragile economic growth and low-quality jobs are holding millions back. For true poverty reduction, the fight isn’t just about work—it’s about better work.