Colombia's Ministry of Finance and Public Credit convenes international forum to reassess central bank mandates and monetary policy in Latin America

Colombia's Ministry of Finance and Public Credit announced it will lead an international economic forum in Bogotá bringing together public policy experts, economists, bankers, corporate leaders, academics and former political leaders to examine Latin American monetary policy and the role of central banks amid supply shocks, geopolitical tensions and longstanding social pressures, including whether central bank mandates should be redefined. The event is framed as a heterodox and progressive reassessment of the social impact of central bank decisions. Discussions will focus on whether monetary policy should remain centered on price stability and inflation control or shift toward a more active role in economic development, exchange-rate stability and employment protection, and whether central bank autonomy should be treated primarily as a technical safeguard or paired with stronger accountability and coordination with broader economic policy. The forum will also examine the economic risks and consequences of the Banco de la República board’s second interest-rate increase of the year, which generated friction with the government, and will consider potential mitigation actions such as preferential credit, subsidies and temporary social programs to protect vulnerable households. The programme includes a national and an international panel and closes with a public hearing, and is scheduled for 21 April 2026.