On September 8 and 9, 2010, leaders from around the Western Hemisphere gathered to discuss the future of Latin America and rising confidence in the region.

Latin America continues making steady economic gains, although deep engagement with the Obama administration has not materialized as hoped. This “benign neglect” by the United States represents missed opportunities for collaboration on important issues, including energy cooperation, transnational crime networks, immigration, climate change, and trade, according to experts assembled at the annual CAF Conference on the Americas.

Obstacles to faster economic expansion in the region, the persistent problem of inequity, regional integration, and Brazil’s emerging role on the global stage were also underscored during the September 8 and 9 conference, which drew more than 400 people for a wide-ranging discussion on the challenges facing the region.

CAF, the Inter-American Dialogue, and the Organization of American States organize the annual conference in Washington, D.C., as a platform to identify pivotal issues in the region and make related policy recommendations. Among the participants are US and Latin American government officials, international economists, lawmakers, policy analysts, journalists, and corporate and financial leaders. This year’s panelists included two former presidents: Carlos Mesa of Bolivia and Martín Torrijos of Panama.

September 8, 2010

September 9, 2010