IILA works at the service of cooperation between Italy and Latin America through many activities and initiatives, developing projects supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the field of development cooperation. Its main institutional aim is cooperation between Italy and Latin America through the development and coordination of research on the issues, achievements and prospects of member countries in the cultural, scientific, economic, technical and social fields. IILA has Permanent Observer status at the General Assembly of the United Nations and collaborates with all intergovernmental organisations, institutions and bodies specialised in dealing with Latin America for carrying out its activities.