CAF holds its XX Annual Conference and opens the debate on the challenges of Latin America during a crucial year

More than 1,400 guests will attend the XX CAF Annual Conference, one of the main fora to discuss Latin America. This year, the Conference will analyze the challenges faced by the region in the midst of the dynamic global context marked by the crucial presidential election in the United States, the impact of the 'Brexit', the deceleration of China in the world economy, and the debate over the need for a new international financial architecture.  

The Conference, organized every year by CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, jointly with the Inter-American Dialogue, and the Organization of American States (OAS), will take place at the Willard Hotel, in Washington D.C. on September 7th and 8th. 

"This edition will be very special, because it is the twentieth anniversary of our annual conferences. We have the greatest expectations about being able to set the stage for the pending structural reforms that Latin America needs", said Enrique Garcia, CAF's Executive President, who will open the conference together with Michael Shifter, President of the Inter-American Dialogue. He added, "We are in a context of changing winds that are favorable to advance in the area of productive transformation and regional integration".  

As in every year, outstanding political leaders, top officials from international organizations, academics, entrepreneurs, analysts, and renowned journalists will address the subjects that are top priority at a world and regional level. This time, the participation of more than 50 speakers from different fields is anticipated.   

Experts will reflect on the current challenges faced by the region, at a time when the "super cycle" of raw materials is ending mainly due to the deceleration of demand in China, and it is strongly felt in the public coffers of several Latin American countries, while the fears persist regarding the impact that the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union ('Brexit'), approved in a referendum in June, may have on the world economy.   

The current political situation that Latin America is undergoing, the challenges of peace in Colombia, and Cuba's prospects after the normalization process of its relations with the United States, will also be at the center of the analysis during these special conferences, as well as the evolution of hemispheric relations, the eventual impact of the coming presidential elections in the United States, and regional integration.  

In addition, experts from the world of finances will address the progress and challenges with respect to world economic governance and the innovative instruments to improve infrastructure in Latin America, an essential challenge on the road toward the region's productive transformation. 

The meeting may be followed live on  www.caf.com/xx-conferencia-caf/ and Twitter with the hashtag #DiálogoCAF