AS/COA hosted a roundtable on social inclusion in the Americas and the role of the public and private sectors.

This event will serve as a preliminary roundtable discussion for the Spring issue of Americas Quarterly, which will focus on the economic and political dynamics of social inclusion. This issue of AQ will attempt to untangle the different aspects of social inclusion: social policy, political representation, social and human rights, economic growth and non-discrimination, and will cover topics including the political inclusion of Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities, the importance of social mobility to business and investment, and measuring comparative social inclusion.

Opening Remarks:

• George Gray-Molina, Chief Economist and Leader of the Poverty, MDGs and Human Development Unit at the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, United Nations Development Programme

Confirmed Speakers:

• Monica Carillo, Founder and Director, Lundú
• Álvaro García Hurtado, former Chilean Minister of the Economy; Consultant, United Nations Development Programme
• José R. Molinas Vega, Senior Economist, Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Latin America and the Caribbean Region, The World Bank Group
• Judith Morrison, Senior Advisor, Social Sector, Gender and Diversity Unit, Inter-American Development Bank
• Moderator: Christopher Sabatini, Editor-in-Chief, Americas Quarterly; Senior Director of Policy, AS/COA

Watch a video of AS/COA President and CEO Susan Segal speaking about the organization’s first trip to Recife, Pernambuco, in the Northeast of Brazil—one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

AS/COA launched the Fall 2011 issue of Americas Quarterly, Impact Investing: Profit Meets Purpose, with a panel discussion on the several angles of impact investing. How can private, for-profit investment capital become a force for social development and social inclusion, addressing such difficulties as public health challenges, climate change and urbanization? What are the sustainable and profitable business models that already exist, and which remain to be developed?
 

Keynote Speaker:

• Elizabeth Littlefield, President and Chief Executive Officer, Overseas Private Investment Corporation

Confirmed Speakers:      

• Antony Bugg-Levine, CEO, Nonprofit Finance Fund
• Margot Brandenburg, Associate Director, Rockefeller Foundation
• Liam Brody, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Relations, Root Capital
• Luiz Ros, Manager for the Opportunities for the Majority, Inter-American Development Bank
• Moderator: Christopher Sabatini, Editor-in-Chief, Americas Quarterly; Senior Director of Policy, AS/COA

AS/COA, in conjunction with the Brazilian Consulate General, would like to invite you to a film screening followed by a conversation with the producers and actors or the film Lula, Son of Brazil.

Based on the book by Denise Paraná, Lula, Son of Brazil is a richly produced, deeply moving story of the early years of Brazil’s most beloved president, Luis Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula), who overcame incredible adversity and became one of the world’s most extraordinary men. Not to be construed as a film about a politician, or a president, this is more to the point an incredible story of perseverance, family, love, honor, resilience, and heroism.

Directed by Oscar nominee Fábio Barreto and produced by his sister Paula Barreto for L.C. Barreto, the movie was chosen as Brazil’s entry to the 2011 Academy Awards and will open in New York at Lincoln Plaza Cinemas and Quad Cinemas on January 13, 2012, followed by a national release.