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
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
