As demonstrated by numerous initiatives globally, cooperation and convergence activities among national regulatory authorities (NRAs) accelerate the drug development process, improve access to medicines and contribute greatly to public health. Regulatory convergence and harmonisation activities – and the common guidance documents they often produce – are particularly important in emerging regions, where many NRAs often lack the requisite infrastructure and resources needed to regulate medicines efficiently and effectively. Adam Istas, DIA, examines this in relation to Latin America specifically.