The 20th century ended in a wave of unprecedented modernization across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The region has reached a level of economic development never experienced before; and the return to democratic institutions as a form of government, is not in question anymore.  More recently, several countries in the region have demonstrated a strong desire in leaving behind long-standing ideological confrontations.

We have witnessed as well, a notable progress in the information and communication technologies, which has revolutionized the productivity in our economies establishing a more dynamic trade. Even more important than that, is the increase in the connectivity among individuals and communities around the world. This phenomenon, which carries with it a superposition of cultures, gives us, at the same time, the opportunity to reconsider the kind of society that we want and eventually forge a modern identity.

Despite such significant advances, many individuals and communities in the region face new challenges that threaten not only the prosperity attained, but also put at risk the integrity of democratic governance. Therefore, in order to better respond to recurring political and/or economic crises, our societies and its leaders will have to re-evaluate their priorities, acknowledge new responsibilities and work under the same vision, toward the construction of genuinely participative and equitable societies. Only these actors can build transparent governance as a society’s unique and irreplaceable common asset.

As the countries of the region continue to integrate into the global community, the need for an innovative and visionary leadership is imperative in every sector of society.

Forum Americas aims to promote those individuals who are willing to craft a new code of leadership that is consistent with an ever more interdependent world. To that end, the Forum gathers present and future leaders from all walks of life to gain access to the best practices in governance and leadership, and exchange views with the most distinguished personalities and prestigious institutions from the international community. Thus, new leaders will have the opportunity to analyze why certain policies have succeeded while others have not, while supported by an unprecedented intergenerational dialogue, that will prompt the shared knowledge and experiences to become a distinctive force of renovation for the benefit of our future societies.

Onbehalf of all the Forum Americas’ associates, affiliated institutions and sponsors, I am honored to present to you a summary of the projects that make our goals a tangible contribution to our ongoing quest for the betterment of our societies.