2003 marked the return of former president Fernando Henrique Cardoso to the Inter-American Dialogue, joining as co-chair of the Board of Directors on January 1, 2003. The Inter-American Dialogue is a Washington-based forum that brings together private and public leaders to find solutions to the most important issues in Western Hemisphere affairs. As co-chair, President Cardoso is working to establish substantial continuing partnerships with a range of civil society groups, international organizations, leading corporations and financial institutions that are committed to democratic advance, economic development, and social equity throughout the Americas.