Andean Region and Southern Cone

Learn more about Ford’s 50th Anniversary in the region »

Overview

Breaking down the barriers that prevent people from participating in their societies will help build a more just and sustainable future for the Andean Region and Southern Cone.

The Regional Context

As democratic reforms take root across the Andean Region and Southern Cone, the countries we serve stand at a critical crossroads.

Despite evidence of progress—including more resilient economies and the stabilization of electoral regimes—millions of citizens, particularly indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants and women, are still shut out of opportunities to earn a decent living or participate in the governments that are meant to represent them.

As a result, widespread poverty and inequality persist, undermining the potential for recent progress to bring long-term security and prosperity to the region.

Our Goal

The goal of our work is to combat social and political exclusion and challenge racial discrimination.

We believe that tackling discrimination and social exclusion can serve as the linchpin for unleashing broader and more equitable development across the region.

What We're Doing

Our work focuses on:

Building the leadership necessary to confront social and political exclusion
Promoting smart, effective public policies to combat discrimination
Supporting thoughtful approaches to help more people overcome poverty
Developing innovative ways to engage the business community in new solutions
Ensuring universities, government agencies and civil society groups are more inclusive of women and minorities

Our grant making in the region is pursued through the following initiatives.

Issue	Initiative
Democratic and Accountable Government	Promoting Transparent, Effective and Accountable Government
Human Rights	Advancing Racial Justice and Minority Rights Strengthening Human Rights Worldwide
Economic Fairness	Building Economic Security Over a Lifetime Expanding Livelihood Opportunities for Poor Households
Educational Opportunity and Scholarship	Higher Education for Social Justice

From the Newsroom

In the Headlines: An Interview with Regional Representative Myriam Méndez-Montalvo Explains the foundation’s past and present efforts in the Andean Region and Southern Cone
In the Headlines: Ford Foundation President Interviewed by Colombian News Service Discusses how to ensure that Colombia’s society and economy continue to flourish
Speeches: Luis Ubiñas Speaks at Symposium on the 50th Anniversary of Our Andean Region and Southern Cone Office Reflecting on our past work and looking forward, he stresses the great hope and opportunity for the region and for Latin America as a whole
Events: Marking 50 Years of Work in the Andean Region and Southern Cone The foundation holds a series of dialogues and events focusing on our ongoing efforts to deepen democracy, build greater inclusion and expand opportunity for all people