On June 6, we celebrated the fourth and final meeting of the dialogue series “Challenges of Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean,” titled “Perspectives and Narratives.” This session focused on “Democracy and Civil Society: Roles and Visibility.”
The dialogue series, which began on February 28, 2023, aims to foster knowledge exchange and ideas among participants on the theme of “Democracy,” promote dialogue, contribute to strengthening regional networks, and disseminate the results obtained. Throughout the meetings, we have had the valuable participation of distinguished experts from various fields.
First Meeting: Structures and Public Policies
Held on February 28, 2023, this meeting addressed “Democracies in Latin America and the Caribbean today. Structures, Division of Powers, Government and State, Public Policies. The common good: Who constructs it?”
Participants included:
- Bernardo Toro from AVINA Foundation.
- Jorge Raúl Cruz from Esquipulas Foundation.
- Camila Ulloa from FARO Group.
Second Meeting: Representativeness and Social Participation
In August 2023, the second meeting focused on “Democracies in Latin America and the Caribbean today. Representativeness, Social Participation, Role of Civil Society, Freedoms, Freedom of the Press.”
Presenters included:
- Carmen Olaechea and Ana Cabria from Cambio Democrático Foundation.
- José del Tronco Paganelli from FLACSO Mexico.
- Paula Moreno from FOPEA.
Third Meeting: Human Rights and Environmental Issues
On November 30, 2023, the third meeting addressed “Democracy and Rights. Human Rights, Environmental Rights.”
Presenters included:
- Tamara Taraciuk Broner from the Peter D. Bell Rule of Law Program at the Inter-American Dialogue.
- Daniel Barragán from the International Center for Research on Environment and Territory (CIIAT) at the University of Los Hemisferios.
Fourth Meeting: Roles and Visibility of Civil Society
In the fourth and final meeting of the series, we had distinguished presentations from:
- Mercedes Jones, sociologist and PhD in social sciences, Project Director at the Center for Social Innovation at the University of San Andrés, and expert in networking.
- Marcia Rivera Hernández, economist, social researcher, political analyst, international consultant in sustainable human development, and Director of the Latin American Institute of Education for Development in Puerto Rico.
This dialogue series has been an invaluable space for exchanging ideas and promoting dialogue on democracy and civil society in our region.
We extend our gratitude to all who participated and made this great series of meetings possible!