General Laura Richardson – Combatant Commander, U.S. Southern Command
Ambassador Paula Dobriansky Ph.D – Former Under Secretary Of State For Global Affairs; Senior Fellow, Harvard University Belfer Center For Science & International Affairs; Leadership Council Member, Concordia
H.E. Iván Duque – Former President, Republic of Colombia (2018-2022); Leadership Council Member, Concordia
H.E. Luis Almagro – Secretary General, Organization of American States; Leadership Council Member, Concordia
T.H. Victor Bisonó – Minister of Industry, Commerce, and SMEs, Dominican Republic
T.H. Terrance Drew – Prime Minister, Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
T.H. Christopher Dodd – Special Presidential Advisor for the Americas, U.S. Department of State
Christopher Ruddy – C.E.O, Newsmax Media, Inc
T.H. Robert Persaud – Foreign Secretary and Guyana’s High Representative for United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Co-operative Republic of Guyana
T.H. Maria Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Republic of Ecuador
Matthew Swift – Co-Founder, President & CEO, Concordia
“We’re focused on the question of strategies to improve Western Hemisphere relationships and bolster regional unity in the wake of the uncertainties and challenges that are currently facing the hemisphere.”
“Today, Colombia has almost eight million hectares devoted to agricultural production, and there is currently an opportunity for 22 million hectares, which means there are 14 million hectares in total that can be sustainably developed through agricultural means.”
“Without democracy, it is going to be impossible to trigger the confidence, the investment, and the social transformation that the countries in Latin America need.”
“There are countries that, through their embassies, are covering up for individuals who are directly involved in or attempting attacks against the national security of other countries.”
“We are not looking for any pity on challenges facing our countries – we are looking for real partnerships; partnerships from like-minded countries that can put in place real plans that can directly handle the policy crisis we are dealing with.”
“As a hemisphere, we need to ensure that our institutions take note of the importance of democratic principles.”
“It is necessary to go back to the basics, as we are currently very far from the basics. We need to have a better relationship, mind to mind and heart to heart. As people say, democracy matters.”
“We were able to increase our renewable energy sector. This focus on clean energy has been able to keep peace and prosperity, and is reflected in the increased foreign investment we are receiving.”
“A strong middle class drives democracy, strong economic foundations drive democracy, and we can almost draw a direct line in correlation with income disparities through Latin America and political volatility. What is currently unfolding in Haiti right now is an example of this.”
“Every single issue you raise – whether it’s immigration, climate change, or health care – there is not a single nation that can solve these issues on their own.”