In this paper we focus our attention on the measures, actions and the role of public development banks, particularly in the agricultural and micro, small and medium-sized enterprise sectors, during the covid 19 crisis. A first version of this document was prepared at the request of the World Bank, which was published as “The Latin American Development Bank Facing the Economic Crisis generated by Covid-19”.

This report contains conclusions and recommendations from the 7th World Congress on Rural & Agricultural Finance held in Morelia, Mexico in 2022.

This document analyzes how the multiple global crises -such as pandemics, climate change, geopolitical tensions and digital transformation- have revealed systemic vulnerabilities that require a new comprehensive security approach that goes beyond the military, encompassing climate, economic, energy, digital, social and labor dimensions. Nine chapters examine these sectoral areas and their impact on Latin America and the Caribbean, suggesting the strategic role that development banks can play in promoting a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable development model. The document offers recommendations for these banks to lead the transformation through financing, international cooperation and institutional strengthening, with a view to guaranteeing present and future well-being in the region.