The XXVIII Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government commenced on March 24, 2023, in Santo Domingo with a focus on important issues for the development of the region. Leaders from 14 of the 22 countries invited to the summit will discuss access to financing for poor countries, among other issues. The Ibero-American leaders were received by the host country’s President, Luis Abinader, his wife First Lady Raquel Arbaje, and the Ibero-American Secretary General, Chilean Andrés Allamand.
The regional meeting will orient its efforts to achieve concrete results that have a positive impact on the quality of life of Latin Americans. Three decisive instruments, the Ibero-American Environmental Charter, the Food Security Strategy, and the Charter of Digital Principles and Rights, will be presented to the countries for their consideration in fulfilling rights and strengthening the Ibero-American Community.
COVID-19 has left a difficult economic situation that the leaders aim to address by seeking agreements on tools to combat the pandemic’s aftermath. The Latin American region is facing a challenging year, with a food crisis that affects nearly a quarter of its population, according to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Latin America is betting on better financing and support options to address this issue.
Prior to the opening ceremony, the foreign ministers of the countries represented held a preliminary meeting to finalize the document to be signed by the heads of state and government. Furthermore, bilateral talks were held between the King of Spain, Felipe VI, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, and host President Luis Abinader at the National Palace.
The Ibero-American Summit also coincides with the upcoming July meeting between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union. The CELAC-EU meeting is scheduled for July 17-18 in Belgium.
The Ibero-American Summit aims to address Latin America’s most pressing issues and make a positive impact on the quality of life for its citizens. The leaders hope to achieve concrete results that can combat the region’s current economic crisis and food insecurity.
