Description

The Development Policy Studies Program for Latin America and the Caribbean is an opportunity to discuss comprehensive development issues in depth and with rigor while respecting the pluralism inherent to development studies. The program covers both theoretical and empirical topics, emphasizing the experiences of Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The program is structured around five dimensions of development plus an introductory module, in the following sequence:

1. Introduction to Development (theories, well-being, development philosophy, sustainable development goals)
2. Human Development (education, health, nutrition)
3. Social Development (cohesion, trust, social security, migration, gender)
4. Economic Development (employment, enterprises, technology and innovation, trade, macroeconomics, and fiscal policy)
5. Political Development (institutions, democracy, governance, public leadership, territories, and cities)
6. Sustainable Development (climate change, bioeconomy, non-renewable resources, water, biodiversity, and energy)

The program includes a broad variety of topics related to comprehensive development, expecting students to engage with subjects that typically belong to different disciplines and approaches.

The program is aimed at young researchers from around the world. Classes are taught by the School’s team and CEPAL staff, as well as distinguished external lecturers invited each year. The classes include a theoretical review of each topic, an examination of the available empirical evidence for the region—focusing on the most urgent and necessary points to accelerate development—and an overview of various policies that governments have implemented to address challenges in each area.

Enrollment and participation in the course are free of charge for participants, who are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses, as no scholarships are offered.

Format

Each module consists of five weekly classes, each lasting two hours. The entire program comprises 72 chronological hours of in-person classes. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at CEPAL’s regional headquarters in Santiago, Chile.

To obtain the final certificate (issued by the School), students must attend at least 80% of the classes and submit a final paper, which they may work on during their stay at CEPAL and up to two months after the program ends.

The School provides students with access to CEPAL’s infrastructure, including resources available at the Hernán Santa Cruz Library, computers and study areas, Wi-Fi, as well as access to the institution’s seminars and open activities.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications are open to all individuals, though preference is given to young people who have recently completed their undergraduate studies or are pursuing a postgraduate program in fields related to economics, social sciences, or humanities. Proficiency in Spanish is required, as classes are primarily conducted in this language.

It should be noted that every year, hundreds of applications are received from all over the world, of which ELADES is only able to accept around 30 participants. This makes the process highly selective, with the selection criteria based on the applicants' résumés and their alignment with the previously mentioned target audience.

Applicants must complete the application form attached to the annual call for applications and request a reference letter from a supervisor or someone familiar with their academic background. The reference letter, in free format and written in spanish, portuguese or english, should be sent directly to the ELADES contact email and addressed to the Selection Committee, indicating the applicant’s suitability for the program. Reference letters sent by the applicants themselves will not be accepted, and only the first reference letter sent for each applicant will be considered.. ELADES will confirm receipt of the letter via the email from which it was sent. The final deadline for submitting the letter of reference is the same as the registration deadline.

In case of errors in the application, candidates may reapply, with only the latest submitted application being considered.

The call for applications opens once a year in early March and closes at the end of March, with results announced in early April. The program takes place annually between July and August. More detailed information about dates can be found in the application announcements on the ELADES website and its social media channels.