During the opening session of the 79th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Latin American and Caribbean Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (OLACEFS), on October 22 , in Panama, Minister Augusto Nardes of the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) proposed the establishment of a permanent committee dedicated to addressing infrastructure issues across Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the minister, the region currently faces a delicate situation marked by climate change, while roads and highways are in chaotic conditions, suffering from a shortage of investment.

Augusto Nardes emphasized that inadequate infrastructure is hampering development and mobility across the continent. “I lived in Europe, where high-speed trains, like the TGV, facilitate transportation and drive economic growth. This comparison highlights the urgency of transforming infrastructure realities in Latin America, where the lack of adequate planning could lead to serious consequences for the future,” he noted.

The minister added, “An infrastructure focus must go hand in hand with sustainable strategies that promote a greener, more resilient economy. We are facing a period of climate change, and this calls for more coordinated and effective responses.”

TCU Vice President Minister Vital do Rêgo supported Minister Nardes' proposal and added that the committee should also address the energy transition, emphasizing that this integration is crucial.

Minister Augusto Nardes concluded his speech by reinforcing the need for joint planning among countries in the region. “We need to show leaders that it’s essential to take action to develop infrastructure across the continent. The time to act is now, and the decisions made today will shape tomorrow’s infrastructure,” he stated.

The proposal to create a permanent committee represents a unique opportunity for Latin America and the Caribbean to tackle current challenges and prepare for a more sustainable future. In an increasingly interconnected global environment, collaboration among countries is essential to ensure that infrastructure meets the needs of the population and fosters economic growth.

In addition to TCU Vice President Minister Vital do Rêgo and Minister Augusto Nardes, Minister Jorge Oliveira also attended the meeting.