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IN DAVOS, OAS SECRETARY GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC AND DEMOCRATIC ADVANCES IN LATIN AMERICA

In a panel discussion today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, and the Presidents of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and of Mexico, Felipe Calderón, offered their perspectives on the positive economic trend in Latin America and highlighted the significant democratic progress achieved in the region in the past year.

During an exchange of ideas on the factors that have led to economic growth, Insulza expressed optimism about the direction seen in Latin America. He pointed out that the number of people living in extreme poverty in the hemisphere has diminished from 98 to 79 million, noting that “we are definitely on the right path, and the important thing is to continue moving forward.”

President Lula da Silva shared Insulza’s optimism, adding that “trade relations in Latin America have grown, at an average of 30 percent per year in South America, and they have grown in a very substantial way in all countries from Mexico to Patagonia. We have had extraordinary success in our trade relations.”

For his part, Mexican President Felipe Calderón said that “Latin America needs to be more united,” adding that “the world is changing, the region is undergoing rapid transformation.” He underscored the principle challenges facing his government at this time: public security, job creation and combating poverty.

During the session, entitled “Latin America Broadens its Horizons,” Secretary General Insulza also referred to the positive effect, in terms of governance, that recent electoral processes have produced in the region. From December 2005 through December 2006, he said, some 20 countries held elections, the majority of which were observed by the OAS. “These elections were good, clean, competitive and participative,” Insulza said. He noted nevertheless, that certain problems having to do with governance remain in the region and must be addressed. He emphasized what he referred to as the “return of the state” to the sociopolitical arena, in the sense that the state has “a new role both in economic and social issues.”

Insulza explained that as a result of the crises of the 1980’s, a school of thought that emerged in Latin America considered “that the state was not part of the solution; rather, it was part of the problem.” This perception, he said, “has been completely overcome,” as has been proven in recent years.

The OAS Secretary General also participated today in panel discussions on issues related to immigration, regional and global education, and climate change. He has also held bilateral meetings with leaders and representatives from civil society and the private sector. The Davos forum, which closes on Sunday, includes world leaders from the political, academic and business sectors.

Reference: E-023/07