Every effort is minimal. Despite the diversity of public and economic policies and measures implemented in Latin America and the Caribbean, its 645.6 million inhabitants are still far from living in the dreamed of the 2030 Agenda. The Sustainable Development Goals are still a major open issue. With this in mind, a fresh look and innovative solutions are needed to achieve a better quality of life for everyone. This is one of the main goals of the CAF Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean: a region of global solutions.
At this meeting, taking place this Thursday in Panama City, 35 international experts will discuss the continent's most pressing challenges. The aim of the CAF Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean is to create a space for dialogue and exchange of ideas to shape a more prosperous and inclusive future. These conversations will also be broadcast at this link and streamed on the official EL PAÍS website.
The panelists are at the highest level. These 35 guests include Esther Duflo, 2019 Nobel Prize winner in Economics and President of the Paris School of Economics; Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; Janaina Tewaney Mencomo, Foreign Minister of Panama; and Sergio Díaz-Granados, executive president of CAF. They will all present their proactive vision on the region's challenges.
After the welcoming words and the first presentations by experts, the first round of discussions will take place: Latin America and the Caribbean in the global environment, moderated by Lorena Arroyo Valles, Director of Future America of EL PAÍS. In this forum: Stephanie Valencia, President and Co-Founder of the Equis Institute; Alejandro Werner, founding director of the Georgetown Americas Institute and former director of the IMF's Western Hemisphere Division (2013-2021); Michelle Muschett, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Deputy Administrator and Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Oscar Gamboa, former Ministerial Counselor at the Colombian Embassy in the USA.
Also taking part will be Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for the Latin America and Caribbean Region; Alberto Arciniega, president of Microsoft Latin America; Julieta Martínez, President of Tremendas; Josefina Montenegro, Director of the National Copper Corporation of Chile (Codelco); Julio Castiglioni, President of the Sao Paulo Metro; Dan Restrepo, former director of Western Hemisphere Affairs for the United States National Security Council; Sergio Londoño – Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability of Coca-Cola LAC and Andrés Rebolledo, Secretary General of OLADE.
The thematic and sectoral focus of the conference reflects the critical challenges facing the region. From the economic situation to digital transformation, including Caribbean regional integration, the green agenda and climate change. This meeting will address the fundamental issues for the sustainable and inclusive development of Latin America and the Caribbean, without forgetting the public and private sectors and civil society.