Guatemala
PAGE in Guatemala
Guatemala is the largest Central American economy, with strong growth but limited progress in tackling inequality and poverty. Its national income depends on agriculture, a few key exports, and remittances. The country faces significant challenges from climate change, natural resource depletion, deforestation, and pollution, which worsen socio-economic vulnerabilities and social exclusion. In 2018, Guatemala joined PAGE with the aim of reformulating economic policies to prioritize sustainability, support tax reform, facilitate a just transition, and generate green jobs. In recent years, with PAGE support, Guatemala started promoting a greener economy with its Environmental Fiscal Strategy, proposing fiscal instruments to better price environmentally harmful activities and boost sustainable public procurement.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Guatemala launched its Economic Recovery Plan focused on job creation and strategic investments in 2020. PAGE, along with relevant ministries, developed activities for a green recovery within existing policies, including the Strategy for Strengthening Value Chains and the Low Emissions Development Strategy. In 2022, Guatemala faced rising living costs and major productivity disruptions, which were caused by tropical storms, leading to a State of Public Calamity declared in June. Amidst these challenges, PAGE’s implementation was launched to promote green fiscal policies and support sustainable development efforts.
In 2023, Guatemala continued to face economic challenges like high inflation and rising living costs. These pressures highlighted the need for an effective tax system and a just transition. In August 2023, the new elected government included the transition to a green economy in its planning. Officials continued the implementation of the Environmental Fiscal Strategy and selected value chains like cocoa and ecotourism, as part of the collaboration with PAGE and the broader development cooperation community in the country.
PAGE Milestones
- 2025
PAGE Sustainability Strategy developed in multi-stakeholder consultation process.
Two studies delivered on incorporating Just Transition in strategic value chains.
Public investment in water and sanitation strengthened through technical guide.
First circular economy conference Guatemala Circular held.
- 2024
First Green Jobs Fair geared towards young professionals organized.
Second National Inclusive Green Economy Forum held.
Criteria and product catalogue to guide sustainable public procurement adopted.
Environmental guidelines for fiscal policy to improve solid waste management developed.
Environmental public expenditure classification guide to support local municipalities developed.
Assessment of opportunities to reformulate academic curricula towards sustainability conducted.
- 2023
First National Inclusive Green Economy Forum held with involvement of UN system, government, private sector, civil society and academia.
Workshop on circular economy and green industry geared towards private sector organized.
Communication strategy for the promotion of e-mobility developed.
- 2021
Analysis of the effects of COVID-19 on the green economy in Guatemala, coordinated by the UNRCO, released. Extended analysis of key sectors and themes developed by PAGE.
- 2018
Guatemala joins PAGE
Guatemala News & Events
![Preview of Guatemala holds Experience Exchange with Partner Countries in Latin America]()
Guatemala holds Experience Exchange with Partner Countries in Latin America
1 September 2025On 27 August, PAGE organized an experience exchange between partner countries in Latin America. The webinar was attended by 30+
Building Circularity into Nationally Determined Contributions
12 May 2025 - 16 May 2025On Monday 12 and Friday 16 May 2025, UNDP and partners will co-organise a regional south-south exchange workshop focusing on
![Preview of Exploring Sustainable Finance with PAGE]()
Exploring Sustainable Finance with PAGE
2 April 2025In the transition of the global economy moving toward sustainability and social justice, sustainable finance has emerged as a critical
![Preview of Consultant in Sustainability Strategy]()
Consultant in Sustainability Strategy
13 March 2025 | UNITAR Guatemala![Preview of Advancing Waste Management in Guatemala]()
Advancing Waste Management in Guatemala
7 February 2025As part of the PAGE programme, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) led the First Circular Economy Congress,
![Preview of Guatemala participates in the first Circular Economy Congress (ES)]()
Guatemala participates in the first Circular Economy Congress (ES)
7 February 2025 | AGN | Guatemala![Preview of PAGE/DCO Dialogue: Aligning Financial Flows for a Just Transition to Green Economies]()
PAGE/DCO Dialogue: Aligning Financial Flows for a Just Transition to Green Economies
8 November 2024The 6th Dialogue of the series “One UN for Accelerating a Fair and Green Economic Transformation,” held on 7 November
![Preview of Guatemala launches Strategy for the Transition to a Circular Economy]()
Guatemala launches Strategy for the Transition to a Circular Economy
26 October 2024 | Press release | MARN Guatemala
