President Daniel Noboa declared in New York on Monday that Ecuador has successfully stabilized its economy and must now focus on restoring peace for its citizens.
Speaking before his participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Noboa highlighted a sales growth of nearly 20 percent in August as evidence of economic recovery, emphasizing that public safety is essential to sustain long-term growth.
Targeting criminal finances
Noboa explained that his administration's security strategy focuses primarily on disrupting the financial and logistical structures of organized crime networks. Rather than concentrating solely on low-level street operations, authorities are targeting senior leaders described as invisible bosses who manage money laundering, transfer resources, and sustain criminal operations.
Dismantling this secondary tier cuts off the flow of illicit capital to criminal groups, according to Noboa. He noted that stopping the circulation of funds directly deprives cartels of the money required to terrorize local neighborhoods, allowing security forces to seize illicit assets.
Ecuador is a South American nation bordered by Colombia and Peru, with a population of roughly 18 million people. Over recent years, the country has faced growing security challenges from transnational drug cartels attempting to exploit its Pacific coastline and ports for international smuggling routes.
International cooperation and trade
Addressing drug trafficking as a transnational problem, Noboa emphasized the critical need to strengthen international intelligence sharing and cross-border cooperation. He clarified that security operations executed within Ecuadorian territory or territorial waters are led directly by the Armed Forces of Ecuador, supported by the United States and other allied nations.
Noboa identified the United States as Ecuador's primary partner in security matters. However, the president pointed out that Ecuador must maintain active commercial relations with all nations worldwide, arguing that international decisions should not be dictated solely by ideological positions when employment and family welfare are at stake.
The president delivered his remarks during a discussion titled Leading in a Changing World, organized by Goals House. The global platform brings together leaders from government, business, and civil society to drive solutions for major challenges and advance sustainable development goals. The session was moderated by CNBC journalist Tania Bryer.
Economic confidence and future agenda
Connecting public safety to broader economic performance, Noboa explained that security is necessary to rebuild consumer confidence and generate new private investment. He noted that fear and uncertainty negatively influence household financial choices and hinder long-term economic planning.
Guaranteeing secure conditions across the country is required for families to regain trust and for private companies to find a stable environment for investment, Noboa stated during the panel.
The discussion at Goals House marked the beginning of Noboa's official work agenda in New York. Following the event, the president is scheduled to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the annual gathering where representatives of UN member states convene at headquarters to address global governance, security, and economic policy.
