Argentina is an upper middle-income country with a diverse economy that is the third largest in Latin America. In recent years, economic progress has slowed, with periods of low or even negative growth in GDP and a rise in unemployment. Over the last decade, altering periods of accelerated growth, economic recession and exchange rate crises have resulted in the deterioration of productive factors and significantly impacted investments in technology and productivity. Against this background, the country recognizes that economic reforms need to be pursued to facilitate growth, stimulate employment, fight against poverty and promote sustainability, with important structural challenges to overcome on the road to an Inclusive Green Economy (IGE).  

Argentina has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability in the context of international processes and has expressed clear interest in pursuing economic, social and environmental objectives in an integrated manner. Argentina joined PAGE in 2018, with the government recognising the potential for IGE to provide the means for achieving the 2030 Agenda. PAGE is supporting Argentina with its transition to an IGE through contributions in areas such as green jobs, just transition, youth engagement, circular economy and waste management.  

Looking forward

With PAGE support, Argentina aims to advance its IGE transition with a focus on governance, technical analysis to inform policymaking, vocational training and capacity building to support  labour market transition. Moving forward, PAGE Argentina will contribute to a new national strategy that will promote green jobs with the Ministry of Labour, as well as the setup of a Circular Economy Promotion Framework with UNIDO and the Ministry of Production.  

In response to COVID-19, PAGE is adjusting the stocktaking of IGE activities and resulting policy recommendations to account for green recovery in Argentina.