Latin America and The Caribbean Policy Association (LAPA)

Last week, LAPA had the enormous privilege of being chosen to receive the Georgetown University’s Outstanding Graduate Student Organization Award 2023-2024. This award recognizes "the graduate student organization that has demonstrated consistent flexibility, initiative, creativity, and perseverance; has made a meaningful contribution to graduate students, the university, and/or the surrounding community; and has organized activities, events, and programs that have had a significant impact on the quality of campus life at Georgetown University". We want to thank everyone who participated in our initiatives during this year and helped LAPA be distinguished with this award. ------------- La semana pasada, LAPA tuvo el enorme privilegio de ser elegida para recibir el Premio a la Organización de Estudiantes de Posgrado Destacada de la Universidad de Georgetown 2023-2024. Este reconocimiento destaca a la organización de estudiantes de posgrado que ha demostrado una flexibilidad, iniciativa, creatividad y perseverancia consistentes; ha realizado una contribución significativa a los estudiantes de posgrado, la universidad y/o la comunidad circundante; y ha organizado actividades, eventos y programas que han tenido un impacto significativo en la calidad de vida en el campus de la Universidad Georgetown. Queremos agradecer a todos los que participaron en nuestras iniciativas durante este a?o y ayudaron a que LAPA fuera distinguida con este premio.

GU LATAM - Panel 6: Regulating for Sustainability: Attracting Investment and Driving Growth A big thank you to our expert panelists and moderator for shedding light on the importance of regulatory frameworks in attracting foreign investment and fostering sustainable development across Latin America. Special thanks to: Alfredo Villavicencio Vieira, Evaluation Specialist, Climate Investment Funds. Kerrie Carfagno PhD, MBA, Professor at the McDonough School of Business and Director of Georgetown’s MS in Environment and Sustainability Management (MS-ESM) Moderated by: Ricardo Ernst, Baratta Chair in Global Business and Executive Director of the Georgetown University Latin America Leadership Program This insightful conversation explored the policies and strategies needed to align economic growth with sustainability goals in the region’s key sectors.

GU LATAM - Panel 5 - Wired for Sustainability: AI, Energy, and Digital Access Thank you to our brilliant panelists and moderator for an inspiring discussion on how digital infrastructure, AI, and energy systems can be harnessed for sustainability in Latin America. Special thanks to: Robert Albro, Research Associate Professor, Center for Latin American and Latino Studies, American University Kellee Wicker, Director, Science and Technology Innovation Program, Wilson Center Ismael Arciniegas Rueda Ph.D, Senior Economist and Professor of Policy Analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School Moderated by: Raja Rajamannar, Associate Professor, Science, Technology, and International Affairs (STIA) Program, Georgetown University This engaging session, organized by the Georgetown Technology Policy Initiative, explored innovative approaches to bridging the digital divide and driving sustainable development through technology.

GU LATAM - Panel 4: Planning for Resilience: Inequality and Climate Change from Territories A huge thank you to our incredible panelists and moderator for addressing the urgent need for equitable urban planning in Latin America, the most unequal region in the world, as it faces the mounting challenges of climate change. Special thanks to: Robin King, Adjunct Professor, Landegger Program in International Business Diplomacy (IBD), Georgetown University.? Marisil Naborre, International Development Expert, Researcher at the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS). Nora Libertun - Duren, Inclusive Cities Advocate, Housing and Urban Development Expert (IDB), and Urban Planning and Design Lecturer, Harvard University. Felipe Montoya Pino, Urban Resilience and Infrastructure Specialist, The World Bank Moderated by: Uwe S. Brandes, Faculty Director of the Urban & Regional Planning Program and the Georgetown Global Cities Initiative. This important dialogue explored strategies to build resilient cities and address the intersection of urban inequality and climate change across the region.

GU LATAM Panel 3 -?Learning for the Future: Building Skills for Inclusive Economic Opportunities A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed panelists and moderator for an inspiring discussion on how education reform can drive equitable growth and prepare the workforce for future challenges. A special thanks to: Jaime Saavedra, Director of Human Development for Latin America and the Caribbean, World Bank Juan Ariel Jimenez, Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School, and Former Minister of Economy, Planning, and Development of the Dominican Republic Nicole L. Amaral, Senior Manager at Coursera and Economic Mobility Fellow at the Aspen Institute Moderated by:?Gregory Elacqua, Principal Economist in the Education Division, Inter-American Development Bank Together, they explored how we can shape education systems to foster inclusive opportunities, drive innovation, and create a resilient workforce.

GU LATAM Panel 2 - Politics & Change: Navigating Sustainability in a Shifting Landscape Grateful for an enlightening discussion on how regional political dynamics shape sustainability efforts across Latin America. Thank you to our expert panelists and moderator for their insights: -Benjamin Gedan, Director of the Latin America Program, Wilson Center -Julio Guzman, PhD, Director of International Programs, School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, and Founder of Peru's Partido Morado -Carin Zissis, Fellow at the Mexico Institute, Wilson Center, and Editor-in-Chief of AS/COA Online Moderated by:?Santiago Cunial, Agenda Lead for "Unpacking the Political Economy of Fair Green Transitions" at the UNDP Global Policy Centre for Governance Their thoughtful perspectives shed light on the intersection of politics and sustainability, paving the way for inclusive and equitable policies.

GU LATAM 2024 - Panel 1: Unlocking Opportunities: Latin America's Path to Global Value Chains Thank you to our incredible panelists and moderator for an engaging discussion on how Latin America can define its critical export sectors, adapt to global trends, and transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economic model. A special thanks to: Alejandra Guardia Muguruza, Consultant at the Chief Economist Office, Planet VPU at the World Bank. Fabrizio Opertti, Manager of Trade and Integration at the Inter-American Development Bank Moderated by: Mario R. Osorio Hernandez, Senior Law Fellow at the Center on Inclusive Trade and Development Together, they explored actionable insights and strategies to position the region as a competitive and sustainable leader in global value chains.

GU Latam 2024 was a tremendous success! Over the past two days, at the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy, we brought together leaders, experts, and students to dive into critical issues shaping the future of Latin America. Tackling the region’s potential to achieve a sustainable development pattern over the following years, our seven panels sparked insightful discussions and actionable ideas regarding global value chains, climate and technological change, inclusive development, and governance. Thank you to all our speakers and attendees for your invaluable contributions. A special thank you to H.E Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organización de los Estados Americanos, for his inspiring opening remarks that set the tone for the conference. Stay connected as we share more insights and takeaways from this impactful event. A conference report is on its way!

GU LATAM 2024 Panel 6: "Regulating for Sustainability: Attracting Investment and Driving Growth" ??? Date: November 13th, 1:30 P.M. - 2:45 P.M. ?? Location: LL40, Georgetown University, McCourt school of public policy Join us for an in-depth discussion on the regulatory frameworks necessary to attract foreign investment and promote sustainable development across diverse sectors in Latin America. This panel will address essential reforms and strategies to align with global sustainability standards, balance environmental protection with investment incentives, and develop transparent, investor-friendly policies for long-term growth. Meet the Speakers: Alfredo Villavicencio Vieira – Evaluation Specialist, Climate Investment Funds Kerrie Carfagno PhD, MBA – Professor at the McDonough School of Business and Director of Georgetown’s MS-ESM Ricardo Ernst (Moderator) – Baratta Chair in Global Business and Executive Director, Latin American Leadership Program Don’t miss the chance to gain insights into how Latin American countries can implement effective regulations to foster sustainable economic development. RSVP Today! https://lnkd.in/eHAy9PM2

GU LATAM 2024: "Migration and Inclusive Development" ??? Date: November 12th, 4:00 P.M. - 5:15 P.M. ?? Location: McCourt Building (125 E Street), Georgetown University Organizers: The Georgetown Latino Policy Initiative (GLPI) and the Georgetown University Graduate Association of Mexican Students (GUGAMS) Join us for a discussion on how global integration, human mobility, and inclusive policies can drive development across Latin America. This panel will explore strategies, policy frameworks, and best practices to ensure that economic growth benefits all communities, including migrants and refugees. Meet the Speakers: Betilde Munoz-Pogossian – Director of the Department of Social Inclusion at the Organization of American States (OAS) Jose Aguilar – Executive Director, Fuerza Migrante Denisse Delgado, Ph.D. (Moderator) – Former Program Manager, Migration, Remittances, and Development Program, Inter-American Dialogue H.E Catalina Crespo-Sancho – Ambassador of Costa Rica to the United States Don’t miss the opportunity to gain insights into how Latin American countries can create inclusive and supportive environments that empower migrant communities while fostering sustainable growth. RSVP Today! https://lnkd.in/e7EXmkvS