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PRESIDENT OF COLOMBIA TO RECEIVE PADF INTER-AMERICAN LEADERSHIP AWARD AT MARCH 22 GALA

WASHINGTON, D.C.– The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) has announced that its 2004 Inter-American Leadership Award will be presented to His Excellency Alvaro Uribe Vélez, President of Colombia, at a gala event on Monday, March 22, in Washington, D.C.

The PADF Inter-American Leadership Award is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in strengthening democracy in the hemisphere and promoting the economic and social development of the Americas. Frank Gomez, President of the Board of PADF, stated, “President Uribe’s dynamic leadership has strengthened Colombian democracy and greatly advanced his country’s peace process. He has also demonstrated true commitment and dedication to alleviating the human crisis of displaced Colombian families.” PADF First Vice President and Gala Chair Ruth Espey-Romero continued, “PADF is extremely honored that President Uribe has agreed to join us to accept this award, and we look forward to recognizing his outstanding contributions.”

The Gala and Award Presentation will be held in the Hall of the Americas of the Organization of American States building in Washington, D.C., where a Colombian theme will be featured throughout the evening’s festivities. H.E. Cesar Gaviria, Secretary General of the Organization of American States and Chairman of the Board of PADF, will attend, along with approximately 250 corporate executives, members of the diplomatic corps, elected officials and other prominent figures from the United States and several Latin American nations. Along with President Uribe, the Colombian delegation will include H.E. Luis Moreno, Colombian Ambassador to the United States, and several senior Colombian government officials. Major corporate support for the Gala has been received from Citigroup, Caterpillar, Inc., Stanford Financial, Starbucks, and BankBoston.

PADF is a private, non-profit organization established in 1962 through a partnership between the Organization of American States and the private sector to promote, facilitate and implement economic and social development programs in Latin America and the Caribbean. With major funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and additional support from the Colombian government and corporate and individual donors, PADF is implementing a program in Colombia focused on providing assistance to families displaced by violence.

Media must be credentialed in advance of the March 22 event.
For details on obtaining credentials, contact Allison Erdle at 202-458-6501, email [email protected].

Reference: PADF-0315