The document summarizes the key challenges facing the global and Latin American economies in 2012. Globally, growth is slowing in developed nations while emerging economies are seeing faster but also declining growth. The economic and political power is shifting from North to South and West to East as China and Asia grow in influence. Current global governance does not reflect this new reality. Latin America has progressed socially and macroeconomically but must address gaps in inequality, investment, productivity and taxation to achieve sustainable development.