FONPLATA's Vice President of Operations and Countries, Eliana Dam, participated in a Fireside Chat facilitated by Nicolás Mendioroz of CAF — Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, together with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities of regional integration in the face of climate change and the strategic role of infrastructure in enhancing competitiveness.

The high-level dialogue explored how regional integration can strengthen climate resilience through shared water, energy, and transportation systems. It also examined the role of physical infrastructure in improving South America’s integration into global value chains, as well as the progress made since the Brasilia Consensus (2023) and its translation into concrete initiatives such as Routes for Integration and the Sucre Declaration.

Eliana Dam emphasized that physical integration transcends the territorial boundaries: “Regional integration is not just about infrastructure; it is about collective defense. By connecting their water, energy, mobility, and early warning systems, countries jointly increase their capacity to respond to extreme weather events.”

She highlighted specific examples of the Bank's support, from financing cross-border logistics corridors to last-mile solutions that integrate marginalized communities into development. Dam also stressed that FONPLATA's operational strategy with governments makes it possible to “overcome the small but significant bottlenecks” that determine the effectiveness of regional integration.

In relation to the Baku–Belém Roadmap, Dam underscored the need to deepen coordination among multilateral banks to align standards, share risks, and mobilize climate and private resources toward resilient, low-carbon infrastructure.

The meeting reaffirmed that regional integration is a key pillar for strengthening climate resilience, improving competitiveness, and promoting sustainable development. FONPLATA will continue working with its strategic partners to promote investments in integration infrastructure aimed at addressing climate change.

11/14/2025