A Tribute to Guillermo Perry

One of the saddest news of 2019 was the passing of Guillermo Perry, one of the most influential political, economic and academic figures of recent decades in Colombia and much of Latin America.

His demise has left a great void in all of us who work in the field of development, international cooperation and multilateralism. In times of sociopolitical turbulence and technological disruptions, Guillermo’s intelligent assessments are more necessary than ever to understand a volatile and increasingly multifaceted reality.

At CAF we are doubly saddened by his death. First, because of the personal affection we had for him, especially those of us who we were fortunate enough to have known him. But also because we will no longer have his contribution in building a more competitive and productive Latin America that puts long-term public policies before short-term needs.

In an effort to keep his memory and intellectual legacy alive, CAF wishes to pay a modest tribute, intimately linked to one of his greatest passions: the university. Starting next year, our “Ideas for the Future” University Essay Competition will grant the Guillermo Perry Award, which will recognize the best work of the region’s youth.  

Naming an award after him, acknowledging year after year the vision of the future as conceived by young people in Ibero-America on key issues for development has a special symbolism.  We believe that Perry, who loved debates and exchange of ideas, would have liked to be part of a regional forum of this nature, which rewards talent, excellence in university education and good ideas, and fosters a serene and proactive debate.

We organize this initiative together with central banks of the region, and the latest edition received more than 700 essays from 18 countries, which is a clear proof of the motivation of our young people to contribute to the development of their countries.

The competition will also help young Latin Americans find new spaces for participation and promotion of innovative ideas that lead the region on the path to prosperity and equity, which are tenets to which Guillermo Perry dedicated his life.