67-08-2019 Latin American Economy & Business Report

The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the
Caribbean’s (Eclac) Social Panorama 2018 report was published on 19
January, demonstrating indicator improvements in the reduction of
monetary and income inequality across the region – alongside significant
room for improvement. The Andean region has experienced sustained political
change since the turn of the millennium, with left-leaning governments
committing to reducing inequality. While there have been clear results in
several countries, the report also highlighted areas for concern. Despite these
overall reductions in monetary inequality through targeted public policies
and redistribution schemes, the Andean region still demonstrates stark
social inequalities with regard to access to basic services such as education.