In Omaha, NE, a new gateway city for Latinos, an AS/COA luncheon brought together the mayor and private-sector executives to discuss Latinos’ socioeconomic contributions and the benefits of workforce integration efforts.

This year’s forum explored how the region is emerging from the global recession. Panelists looked at prospects for trade and business in the coming year.

Agreeing that Latin America has been one of the most resilient microfinance regions in the world, speakers in this November 19 panel discussed the effects of the current economic crisis on microfinance along with lessons learned and future challenges for the industry.

Less than two weeks before the Honduran elections, an AS/COA panel explored the aftermath of the June 28 overthrow of Manuel Zelaya, the role of Washington and the international community in the crisis, and the potential for transparency on election day.

AS/COA co-hosted a panel disucssion on UN climate change conference in Copenhagen; international versus domestic commitments; and the expectations and constraints of U.S., EU, and Asian countries going into the negotiations.

Peruvian President Alan García joined AS/COA on November 3 for the fourth annual conference in Lima, where speakers examined Peru’s economic successes in the face of a global financial downturn.

Speakers at this October 29 featured experts from the Mexican government, multilateral organizations, and the private sector. Their discussion focused on project financing, public-private partnerships, and regulatory frameworks to attract private investors.