Keeping the Promise of Social Security in Latin America

Empirical analysis of two decades of pioneering pension and social security reform in Latin America and the Caribbean shows that much has been achieved, but that critical challenges remain. In tackling the unfinished agenda, a great deal can be learned from the reform experience of countries in the region. Keeping the Promise, produced by the chief economist’s office in the Latin America and Caribbean Region at the World Bank, evaluates policy reforms in twelve countries, points to successes and shortcomings, and proposes priorities and options for future reform. The authors argue that poverty in old age can be prevented by relentless efforts to extend coverage to broader segments of society, and by encouraging personal savings.