Paraguay's Multi-dimensional Approach to Post-COVID-19 Development
The OECD Development Pathways report titled "A Multi-dimensional Approach to the Post-COVID-19 World for Paraguay" outlines Paraguay's response to significant shocks in the last five years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, severe droughts impacting electricity and agriculture, and the repercussions of Russia's war in Ukraine. This response has highlighted the country's vulnerabilities, such as dependence on agricultural exports, high levels of informality, limited capacity to raise revenues, and susceptibility to climate change.
The report emphasizes the necessity for inclusive, robust, and resilient development strategies. It serves as a guide for Paraguay's post-pandemic policy priorities, drawing insights from the pandemic and recovery phases. It underscores the importance of addressing key challenges through a multi-dimensional approach that combines analytical work with strategic foresight and policy dialogue.
Key pillars of the approach include:
- Inclusivity: Ensuring that recovery efforts benefit all segments of society, particularly the most vulnerable populations.
- Strength: Building a more resilient economy capable of withstanding future shocks and maintaining stability.
- Sustainability: Promoting environmentally sustainable practices and ensuring long-term ecological balance.
The report is part of a broader program, "Fostering Sustainable Development in Latin American Countries: A Multi-dimensional Approach to the Post-COVID-19 World," which is a joint initiative by the European Union, the OECD, and the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. This initiative aims to support Latin American and Caribbean countries in defining post-pandemic development policies through regional cooperation and dialogue with EU countries.
The Paraguay-specific support was provided in collaboration with the Paraguayan government, incorporating findings from a strategic foresight workshop held in Asunción in November 2022, and subsequent policy workshops in October and November 2023. The report was developed by the OECD Development Centre with assistance from the Centre on Well-being, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Equal Opportunity (WISE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay. Contributions came from various contributors including analysts, policy experts, and representatives from Paraguay's government.
