By: Staff Writer
June 10, 2022
The United States Secretary of State outlined the US’s agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Summit of the Americas 2022.
Antony Blinken, said at a Question and Answer session at the CEO Summit hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce during the Summit of the Americas that there has been a “perfect storm” over the last three years and with climate change issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid transformation technology has thrust upon the world and democratic institutions weakening in region along with massive migration of people throughout the region.
On the matter of the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Blinken noted that: “We’ve lost 2.7m lives from COVID. Our hemisphere has suffered the most from COVID. At the same time, it’s 30 percent of global GDP, if we get our act together and mobilise that effectively, there is so much we can do.”
Due to the pandemic, leaders from around the region have not had a chance to discuss pressing matters that have impacted their respective economies. This year’s summit was scheduled to have happened last year, but of course the pandemic set the world back and is being held this week in Los Angeles.
The Summit’s theme, “Building a Sustainable, Resilient and Equitable Future” almost seems moot considering some of the political and socio-economic undertones already taking control of the summit’s intentions. Leader also have been speaking about rebuilding partnerships in the region, despite Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua being disinvited from this year’s summit, something Mr Blinken didn’t mention despite several leaders speaking out on the glaring issue and the Mexican president opting not to attend over the snub to those three countries.
Working groups have been established for the five central themes, health and resilience, digital transformation, clean energy, environmental sustainability, and democratic governments.
Mr Blinken also said, however: “One of the great things coming out of the summit, and this is where the private sector also is critical, is we have a commitment over the next couple of years to train 500,000 health professionals, generalists and specialists. That’s going to make a huge difference if they are effectively deployed throughout our hemisphere in raising the basic level of health services.”
He continued, “Second, on the climate and energy agenda. There are huge needs but also huge opportunities to come together in a way that actually is beneficial to our economies, and also beneficial to climate beneficial to our energy security, and infrastructure development,” US President Joe Biden will deliver more details on this.
There is also a focus on “facilitating digital trade,” and bridging the digital divide in the region in a secure way that upholds democratic principles as well as “more inclusive,” for all citizens, said Mr Blinken.
Mr Blinken also promised to deliver on better healthcare. He said: “We will build greater health and pandemic resilience by strengthening our public health systems to ensure that people across our hemisphere have access to quality care. That includes expanding people and community centred health services, investing in education and training in medicine, public health, nutrition, biomedical science research.
“It also includes preparing for future health emergencies, by strengthening our capacity to detect to prevent, and to deal with future outbreaks and pandemics and other emergencies, improving coordination, transparency, accountability across the region, because when it comes to global health, we’ve learned this, we’re all in it together.”
He also said: “We will establish the first ever regional agenda on digital transformation to close an enduring digital divide in our societies, so that all people can access and use the digital tools that are increasingly essential to their daily lives from running a small business to getting an education.
“The agenda will include expanding internet access, particularly in historically marginalised communities, driving innovation and social inclusion through increased access to digital government services. It also includes expanding digital technology’s role in promoting quality education, digital literacy, and digital citizenry.”
The US will also be “doubling down” on climate resilience and climate adaptation in addition to their push for cleaner energy for the region. They will also engage more academics and non-governmental organisations throughout the region in an attempt to build stronger democratic institutions.