ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin America and : Begins 70th Anniversary Commemoration with a High-level Seminar in Santiago

In 2018, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) celebrates 70 years at the region's service. To commemorate this important anniversary, the United Nations regional organization will carry out various activities over the course of the year.

The first of these will be a high-level seminar at its central headquarters in Santiago, Chile, which will include a roundtable on the institution's history and contributions to Latin American and Caribbean thinking. This event will take place on January 10 at 9 a.m. Chile time (GMT -3) and will be led by Alicia Bárcena, ECLAC's Executive Secretary. It will be transmitted live on the Internet via the organization's website.

Special guests will include Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and four former Executive Secretaries of this UN regional commission: Enrique Iglesias (1972-1985), Gert Rosenthal (1988-1997), José Antonio Ocampo (1998-2003) and José Luis Machinea (2003-2008).

On this occasion, the distinguished panelists will reflect on the evolution of ECLAC's ideas at different historical stages over these seven decades and on how the organization has contributed to the continent's economic and social development, becoming one of the most relevant think tanks in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The commemoration of ECLAC's 70 years will continue throughout 2018 with different events that will be held in Santiago as well as at the institution's other subregional headquarters and national offices.

Members of the media are invited to attend this seminar. Journalists must carry their media credentials or identity documents with them to gain entry.

More information at www.cepal.org.

What: Seminar to commemorate ECLAC's 70th anniversary.

Who:

• Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile.
• Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of ECLAC.
• Enrique Iglesias, former Executive Secretary of ECLAC.
• Gert Rosenthal, former Executive Secretary of ECLAC.
• José Antonio Ocampo, former Executive Secretary of ECLAC.
• José Luis Machinea, former Executive Secretary of ECLAC.

When: Wednesday, January 10, 2018, 9 a.m. Chile time (GMT -3).

Where: ECLAC's Headquarters. Av. Dag Hammarskjöld 3477, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile (Raúl Prebisch room).