Announced at the 2021 Concordia Annual Summit by H.E. Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) and Concordia Leadership Council Member, the 2022 Concordia Americas Summit will take place in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS). Concordia’s longest-standing regional initiative, the 2022 Americas Summit will be held in Miami, FL in July and will continue its legacy of gathering leaders from across industries, sectors, and geographies to confront the challenges and opportunities facing the Western Hemisphere.
Following Executive Order Number 21-81 and Florida Statute 381.00316(1), proof of COVID-19 vaccination will not be required to attend the Americas Summit in Miami. However, for your safety, Concordia suggests that vaccinations are instrumental in preventing COVID-19. If you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, we kindly ask that you join us virtually by registering for a digital pass here. Masks will be available upon request.
Dependency on technology has surged amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A sudden change in how we connect with others highlighted the need for a tech-savvy economy and a digital transformation that meets social needs. It also brought attention to a socioeconomic divide, which could threaten the ability to grow wealth in a digitized economy, in addition to a deepening gender divide. What doubts remain about the role of technology in society, especially in terms of data privacy, closing social gaps with connectivity, and the need for a solid digital infrastructure in workforce development?
Throughout the world, but especially in the U.S., the fragility of democracy has been a highly discussed topic in recent months. From one of the most competitive elections in America’s history to the growing refugee crisis around the world, strengthening democracy and maintaining national security are top of mind for governments and citizens alike. A focus on redefining foreign policy and collaboration between countries, as well as a sense of domestic peace and security, will be high on governmental agendas throughout the world. How can political parties in divided countries come together to work towards a successful future? How can initiatives designed to situate women as key actors in preventing conflict, promoting peace, and countering violent extremism effect a change? What role does technology like artificial intelligence play in navigating geopolitical risk and policymaking? And, how can sectors and multilateral organizations work together to strengthen democracy and national security in a time that seems so fraught with threat and conflict?
The pandemic has exposed weaknesses in public health systems around the world and deep health disparities along divides of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender. Both the palpable strain on physical health systems and structures and the more subtle effects on social relations and mental health must be considered in measuring the health impact of this time. Research on past epidemics reveals a wide range of psychosocial consequences at the individual and population level but also emphasizes the importance of psychological resilience in recovery. As we think about how to foster an equitable pandemic recovery, how do we design our public health systems, incentivize preparedness and prevention, and create partnerships in the service of a healthier, more resilient society?
Across the globe, investors and companies are waking up to the real physical and regulatory risks—and potential opportunities—posed by a warming climate. Accelerating this shift is the pandemic. With many of the root causes of climate change increasing the risk of pandemics, the outbreak of COVID-19 has caused individuals to become acutely aware of the intricate relationship between pandemics and planetary health, amplifying the importance of environmental sustainability in guaranteeing a healthy future. While widely acknowledged that those organizations that employ sustainable practices will be the most profitable in the long run, implementation is another story. Widespread adoption will require an urgent need to adapt and to continue to innovate across all sectors in order to mitigate the environmental impacts already in motion, while at the same time ensuring that environment-related inequalities pertaining to race, gender, and socioeconomic status are addressed. What common misconceptions exist? And what challenges must be overcome to gain support?
Stable, prosperous, and resilient communities are built through engaged and connected citizens who can actively participate in shaping their social, economic, and political future. In this digital era, access to education is key to ensuring young citizens, especially disempowered young women, are included and engaged in civic society, local and national economies, and global development strategies. Furthermore, cultural diplomacy is essential to bringing people together as well as sustaining and improving relations across different cultures. How can governments, NGOs, and businesses engage with a diverse set of youth leaders to develop solutions and promote sustainable impact?