Investing in skills is essential for economic growth and social inclusion in the region.
Effective skills development for all children and youth in Latin America and the Caribbean is essential to drive productivity and innovation, expand opportunities, reduce poverty, and help close inequality gaps.
The Education and Skills Development Thematic Framework Document guides the work of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDBG) alongside the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in building quality, relevant, and equitable skills development systems — from early childhood through adulthood.
Latin America and the Caribbean has made important strides in expanding access to education, but still faces three critical challenges:
Only 19% of young people finish secondary school with a minimum level of math proficiency. This figure drops to just 5% among the poorest 20% of the population.
More than 50% of adults in LAC have low literacy and numeracy skills — compared to approximately 20% in OECD countries.
More than 50% of large leading firms in the region identify skills gaps as the main barrier to workforce transformation.
Skills are accumulated throughout the lifecycle, from early childhood into adulthood, in a variety of education and training settings, ranging from formal literacy and numeracy instruction in primary to apprenticeship programs for youth.
This Education and Skills Development Thematic Framework Document emphasizes primary through adulthood.
Skills development is key for sustained, inclusive growth.
It enhances productivity, increases adaptability and resilience, and promotes social inclusion and mobility.
Strengthen institutional capacity and system-wide policies.
Promote continuous learning trajectories throughout the life cycle.
Increase the Quality and Relevance of Learning.
Strong institutional foundations
to deliver skills development at scale
Equitable access and flexible pathways to support lifelong learning
Provide quality teaching in relevant
skills with technological integration
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