As part of the lead-up to the 10th Summit of the Americas, IPADES participated in the PreTalks sessions, joining representatives from civil society and social actors across the region to identify recommendations and priorities for the hemisphere. The sessions, held in the Dominican Republic, were inaugurated by Deputy Minister Rubén Silié, Secretary for Hemispheric Affairs Ambassador Jean Manes Lambert, and Summit Secretariat Director María Claudia Conte. These discussions provided a platform for civil society to present its main concerns and proposed actions to the participating states.

Priority Topics Raised by Civil Society for the Summit Agenda

During the PreTalks, several key topics were highlighted, with IPADES actively contributing, emphasizing the need for strong, inclusive, and sustainable policies across various areas:

  1. Strengthening Democratic Systems with a Focus on Gender, Intersectionality, and Multiculturalism: In response to rising authoritarianism, corruption, and organized crime, participants called for inclusive democratic frameworks that ensure representation of women and marginalized groups. Proposals included enhancing transparency, promoting human rights, and countering authoritarianism throughout the Americas.
  2. Human Mobility Crisis Due to Environmental, Political, Economic, and Social Factors: With a focus on the migration crisis in Latin America, civil society urged states to implement intergovernmental agreements that protect vulnerable populations. Proposed solutions included addressing migration causes, supporting sustainable development, and safeguarding human rights for migrants and refugees.
  3. Regulation of Artificial Intelligence for Human Rights and Technological Development: Participants recommended establishing frameworks to protect digital rights, addressing issues like discrimination, digital violence, and misinformation. Regulating AI and internet intermediaries was highlighted as essential to ensure privacy and foster a safe digital environment.
  4. Strengthening Health and Education Systems in the Post-COVID Recovery: Recognizing the impact of the pandemic, participants emphasized the importance of equitable access to quality healthcare and education across the Americas. Proposals included regional cooperation for healthcare access, local drug production, and prioritizing research and treatment for critical health issues.
  5. Monetary and Fiscal Policies for Employment and Stability: Emphasis was placed on policies to generate employment, particularly for youth, and to stabilize economies. Civil society urged states to align fiscal and monetary policies to promote economic growth, support job creation, and improve the overall quality of life.

IPADES and Regional Collaboration

Representing Central America, Alex Aguirre, Associate Researcher at IPADES, joined representatives from other subregions in crafting these priorities. Through this collective work, civil society aims to present unified recommendations at the 10th Summit of the Americas, advocating for policies that foster democracy, human rights, and sustainable development across the hemisphere.