Economic Commission for Latin America

Founded in 1948, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC, or CEPAL in Spanish) is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. Its mission is to contribute to the economic and social development of Latin America and the Caribbean, coordinate actions directed towards this end, and reinforce economic ties among the countries and with other nations of the world. ECLAC's work is concentrated in the fields of economic and social research, providing technical assistance to governments, and offering training and advisory services.