Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is one of the most diverse regions in the world, but also one of the most unequal. These two realities are two sides of the same coin. It is a fact that not all inhabitants of the region have access to the same opportunities, which often translates into discrimination, whether based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or … [Read more...] about Equity in Diversity: IDB’s Commitment to Inclusion in Public and Private Spaces
Maria Elena Acosta Maldonado
She worked as Technical Consultant in the Housing and Urban Development Division of the IDB. Professional in social, environmental, economic and cultural issues in Latin America and the Caribbean. Doctor in Cultural Studies: memory, identities, territory and language from the Santiago de Compostela University - Spain; Master in Social Sciences mention in Local Development and Territory by FLACSO - Ecuador. Sociologist with a major in Development - PUCE; Specialization in Local Management for the Development of the Urban Popular Habitat. National Dance Instructor. Experience in several Latin American and Caribbean countries in project management for Urban Development, Social Housing, Resettlement, Climate Change and Cities, Rural-urban, intra-urban and international migration, Citizen Participation, Inclusive Public Policies, Organizational Strengthening, Applied Research and Mainstreaming the Approach to Law, Gender, Diversity and Climate Change. He has held positions of direction, coordination, management and consultancy of social, environmental, cultural and economic projects in various public, private and national and international cooperation institutions. Graduate and postgraduate teacher and researcher. Speaker at national and international seminars and author of several publications.
The cities of Latin America and the Caribbean: spaces of contrasts
The cities of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are full of contrasts. They are the place where poverty and extreme poverty rub shoulders daily with wealth and extreme wealth. Without going any further, 184 million (equivalent to 30% of the total population) of people live in poverty in the region, and 1 out of 4 people who live in urban areas live in informal … [Read more...] about The cities of Latin America and the Caribbean: spaces of contrasts
Improving Lives in Ecuador: Inclusive Social Housing
Jasmine lives in Ecuador. She is the head of the household, she is divorced and has 2 minor children under her care, one of them with an intellectual disability. For her and her children, the "Housing Solutions for Poor and Vulnerable Homes" program, for which they have received a subsidy for the construction of their home, has changed their lives. In the words of Jazmín: … [Read more...] about Improving Lives in Ecuador: Inclusive Social Housing