Press releases

March 5, 2021: In celebration of International Open Data Day, an event is being held to raise awareness about the importance of youth participation in the processes of opening up and using data. Washington, D.C., March 5, 2021 – In partnership with IPANDETEC, The Trust for the Americas is organizing a virtual event to discuss how to incorporate youth participation in the demand for and use of Open Data. This free virtual event will take place on March 5 at 3 p.m. (ET) via Zoom and will be streamed on the Facebook pages of IPANDETEC and The Trust for the Americas. The planned agenda for the event is as follows: 3:00 p.m. Introduction: Who are we? Belisario Castillo (IPANDETEC) and Rodrigo Iriani (Trust for the Americas) 3:10 p.m. Introduction to Open Data. Jorge Umaña (The Trust for the Americas) 3:20 p.m. Youth Participation in Open Data to Combat Corruption. Jorge Umaña (The Trust for the Americas) 3:40 p.m. Y4OD Projects. Patricia Aguilar (Mi plata en obras) and María Kapell (Ciudadanía activa) 3:50 p.m. Launch: Y4OD Experience. Ariaxna Vásquez (IPANDETEC) and Andrea López (The Trust for the Americas). To demonstrate the importance of youth in these initiatives, the experience of the Youth 4 Open Data (Y4OD) program will be presented to highlight the role that young people can play in these processes, especially within the framework of the Inter-American Open Data Program to Combat Corruption (PIDA) promoted by the Summits of the Americas of the Organization of American States (OAS). This event is part of the “Innovation through Open Data in Panama” project, of which the Y4OD program is also a part. This initiative aims to provide concrete opportunities for young students, technology enthusiasts, and youth organizations from different regions to build capacity and implement innovative initiatives that use Open Data to improve their communities. This event seeks to highlight the role of young people in Latin America and the Caribbean. Young people have demonstrated, on numerous occasions, that they play a fundamental role in shaping the future that awaits them—a future that is more transparent, equitable, and sustainable than the present. ** * About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). Established in 1997 to promote public-private partnerships, The Trust has implemented projects in 24 countries and has worked with more than 1,000 organizations in the region. Our initiatives seek to promote educational and economic opportunities, as well as government accountability and transparency. Our unique partnership with the OAS gives us access to decision-makers throughout the region. This vital partnership is the foundation through which we build strong networks across all member states and the private sector. Through the development of our region, The Trust continues to help overcome challenges through strategic partnerships that promote cooperation for sustainable results. The Trust for the Americas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Visit: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas Panama

March 4, 2021 To commemorate International Open Data Day, the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI) is hosting a virtual event on the importance of open data in preventing corruption. Panama, April 3, 2021 – Under the theme “Open Data to Combat Corruption,” experts from various organizations are meeting virtually to discuss the topic and highlight the role played by the various stakeholders working on information disclosure processes.  This event will take place on Thursday, March 4, at 10 a.m. (ET). It is open to the public and will be streamed live on ANTAI’s Facebook page. The scheduled agenda for the event is as follows: 10:00 a.m. Opening remarks, Elsa Fernández, ANTAI. 10:10 a.m. The State of Open Data in Panama, Luis del Vasto, AIG. 10:25 a.m. Implementation of the PIDA in Panama, Camilo Cetina, CAF. 10:40 a.m. Open Data to Combat Corruption, Jorge Umaña, Trust For The Americas. 10:55 a.m. Closing remarks by Juan Pablo Rodríguez, MC. This event is part of the “Innovation through Open Data in Panama” project being carried out by Trust in the country, with the aim of encouraging local governments and civil society in Panama to collaboratively create spaces for discussion, collaboration, and deliberation on public policies regarding Open Data. The discussion features high-level participants, including: Elsa Fernández, Director of ANTAI; Camilo Cetina, Director of Government Innovation at CAF; Luis del Basto, Director of Information Sciences at AIG; and Jorge Umaña, Project Coordinator in Costa Rica for The Trust for the Americas. This important day reminds us that transparency processes using Open Data help both governments and societies become more efficient, sustainable, resilient, and prosperous. ** * About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). Established in 1997 to promote public-private partnerships, The Trust has implemented projects in 24 countries and has worked with more than 1,000 organizations in the region. Our initiatives seek to promote educational and economic opportunities, as well as government accountability and transparency. Our unique partnership with the OAS gives us access to decision-makers throughout the region. This fundamental partnership is the foundation through which we build strong networks across all member states and the private sector. Through the development of our region, The Trust continues to help overcome challenges through strategic partnerships that promote cooperation for sustainable results. The Trust for the Americas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Visit: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas

February 17, 2021, Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, February 16, Milagro Martínez, Permanent Representative of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Costa Rica, presented Foreign Minister Rodolfo Solano with a report titled “Strengthening the Capacities of the Government of Costa Rica and Host Communities to Receive and Integrate Nicaraguan Migrants and Refugees.” In this context, the OAS Secretary General, through the Department of Social Inclusion of the Secretariat for Access to Rights and Equity, prepared a report that compiles the recommendations made by government institutions, civil society organizations, academia, and international organizations to the Costa Rican government regarding migration and the international protection of refugees. “Only through dialogue and cooperation can we adopt a holistic and comprehensive—yet at the same time diligent and strategic—approach to continue seeking concrete solutions to the challenges of the present and the future,” explained Foreign Minister Rodolfo Solano, “The report is an important tool for strengthening national efforts to improve the care provided to this population.” Costa Rica has historically been the main transit and destination country for people from other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, absorbing 90% of regional migrants. Since the socio-political crisis in Nicaragua began in April 2018, Costa Rica has experienced a sustained increase in asylum requests from Nicaraguans, in addition to applicants from other countries such as Venezuela and Cuba. The crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, and it is imperative that they be effectively addressed, as migrants find themselves in a vulnerable situation and are often victims of aggression and various forms of intolerance. In November 2020, Costa Rica announced the creation of the Special Category of Complementary Temporary Protection, which grants refugees—particularly those from Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba—the right to legally remain in the country and work. Betilde Muñoz-Pogossian, Director of the OAS Department of Social Inclusion, acknowledged that “it is not only significant in terms of optimizing measures in this area, expanding regularization and international protection, but also for what it will mean for the beneficiaries and for other countries that will be able to look to Costa Rica as a model for migration management with a human rights-based approach.” Likewise, Betilde Muñoz-Pogossian expressed gratitude for the joint efforts of the Costa Rican government, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, and the Republic of Korea, and recognized The Trust for the Americas as a partner in implementing the work on the ground, noting its extensive track record in Central America, where it has benefited more than 150,000 members of vulnerable communities. Muñoz-Pogossian added: “We are confident that we can contribute to the economic integration of these individuals at the local and national levels, as well as expand the benefits and strengths they bring to their host communities.” Recently, the work of The Trust for the Americas has focused on capacity building to foster open government, and on creating community technology centers—six of which are in Costa Rica (located in San José, Alajuela, and Cartago)—through which free training in technology, job readiness, and rights empowerment, among other things, is provided. These centers serve as spaces for inclusion, learning, and culture, and will serve as a base for facilitating activities aimed at the socioeconomic integration of the Nicaraguan migrant and refugee population currently residing in Costa Rica. *** About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). Established in 1997 to promote public-private partnerships, The Trust has implemented projects in 24 countries and has worked with more than 1,000 organizations in the region. Our initiatives seek to promote educational and economic opportunities, as well as government accountability and transparency. Our unique partnership with the OAS gives us access to decision-makers throughout the region. This vital partnership is the foundation through which we build strong networks across all member states and the private sector. Through the development of our region, The Trust continues to help overcome challenges through strategic partnerships that promote cooperation for sustainable results. The Trust for the Americas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Visit: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas Costa Rica

PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, January 28, 2021 – The Urban Lab for Youth Innovation in Trinidad will reach 300 young people in 2021, providing young innovators with state-of-the-art innovation and technology training, as well as access to collaboration spaces and more to promote STEM education and entrepreneurship. Miguel Francis, a DIA Young Participant from Jamaica, said, “DIA Camp is a tremendous opportunity for all those innovators who want to take their projects to the next level. I received training, attended the Bootcamp, and won the pitch competition. Many young people think innovation is a fancy word and are afraid to explore entrepreneurship, but our job market demands that we think outside the box, network as much as we can, and figure out how to compete internationally. Having a laser cutter and 3D printer at the Urban Lab makes my life easier.” Young innovators and disruptive entrepreneurs will create low-cost, high-impact, high-quality innovation solutions that provide affordable access and livelihood opportunities for their communities on a long-term, sustainable basis. Activities include ideathons, mentorship programs, training, Pitch Tank competitions, and seed funding opportunities for the most promising and innovative youth-led projects. Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA) is a regional initiative to foster innovation and empower youth by providing access to technology training, collaboration spaces, specialized curricula, mentorship, and financial support for their startups. The goal is to unlock the hidden talents of youth living in poverty and at risk of criminal activity. DIA is currently active in Belize, Costa Rica, Colombia, Jamaica, Panama, and Mexico. From 2016 to 2020, over 1,350 young people participated in the DIA Urban Lab in Kingston, Jamaica. At least 85 of them are now running entrepreneurial ventures, while others have found employment. For 2021, The Trust proposes adding a DIA Lab in Trinidad and Tobago. Both Labs will form the foundation of a Caribbean regional ecosystem. READ THE OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR LOCAL PARTNERS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO. In times of uncertainty, the DIA Urban Labs provide Caribbean youth with access to more opportunities and new skills, with the goal of creating more agents of change in their communities. *** About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities and foster innovation in vulnerable communities across the hemisphere. To this end, the Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada. More information: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas Questions? Contact: Rodrigo Iriani, Senior Program Manager, ririani@20.9.190.97 RFP YOUTH INNOVATION LAB

Washington, D.C., December 17, 2020.- After two years of successful implementation, the Organization of American States“ (OAS) Trust for the Americas program presents results marking the completion of the ”Innovation through Open Data in Panama“ project. The project, titled ”Public Innovation through Open Data in Panama,“ was developed to encourage Panama’s government and civil society to collaboratively create spaces for discussion, collaboration, public policy deliberation, and projects through the use of open data. The project was funded by the U.S. Embassy in Panama and was implemented in three phases: technical training for public servants, civil society, academia, the media, and the private sector; the creation of spaces for dialogue and the exchange of ideas to foster the inclusion of all sectors in the search for solutions; and, finally, the funding of innovative social initiatives that promote the use of data to address community issues. Additionally, this project forged successful partnerships with various sectors of society, including the private sector, government, academia, and civil society. During the closing event, the project’s milestones were presented, which were achieved in collaboration with organizations such as the Panamanian Institute of Law and New Technologies (IPANDETEC), the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI), the Authority for Government Innovation (AIG), and the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP).  The agenda for the results presentation is as follows: Presentation of Results from the ”Innovation through Open Data in Panama” Project December 17, 2020 – 2:00 p.m. Opening Remarks and Project Presentation. Elsa Fernández, Director General of ANTAI, and Rodrigo Iriani, Senior Program Manager, The Trust for the Americas 2:10 p.m. Results of the Training Component for Government Officials and Civil Society: Juan Pablo Rodríguez, ANTAI, and Hamzah Haji, The Trust for the Americas, 2:30 p.m. Y4OD – Youth in Open Data: Jorge Umaña, The Trust for the Americas, and Lia Hernández, IPANDETEC, 2:40 p.m. Y4OD Projects: Moderated by Ariaxna Vázquez, IPANDETEC, 2:55 p.m. Funded Projects – Budget Transparency System – Social Security Fund Portal – Educational Scholarships in the Comarca Moderated by Hamzah Haji, Local Project Coordinator, The Trust for the Americas 3:10 p.m. Announcement of the OGP 4th Action Plan Monitoring Platform and closing remarks. Elsa Fernández, Director General of ANTAI, and Rodrigo Iriani, Senior Program Manager, The Trust for the Americas. Follow our hashtags for more information on the activities: #Y4ODPanama #OpenGovPanama About The Trust for the Americas:  The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). Established in 1997 to promote public-private partnerships, The Trust has implemented projects in 24 countries and has worked with more than 1,000 organizations in the region. Our initiatives seek to promote educational and economic opportunities, as well as government accountability and transparency. Our unique partnership with the OAS allows us to engage with decision-makers throughout the region. This fundamental partnership is the foundation upon which we build strong networks across all member states and the private sector. Through the development of our region, The Trust continues to help overcome challenges by fostering strategic partnerships that generate sustainable results. The Trust for the Americas is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.   Visit: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas Panama

Washington, D.C. December 8, 2020.- Initiatives to help the most vulnerable are more important than ever during this pandemic. The Trust for the Americas, an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution this year to helping those most in need. The Executive Committee Board of The Trust for the Americas has selected Patricia Villela Marino as the winner of the 2020 Humanitarian Award for her leadership on programs that improve the odds for inmates and give them the tools to live productive and economically independent lives when they are released. As Founder and President of Humanitas360 Institute and Co-Founder of Civi-Co, a workspace that brings together civic-social entrepreneurs, Patricia has demonstrated selfless dedication to creating opportunity where it is most needed.  She creatively used technology to ensure prisoners can remain connected to their families and communities.   She has cultivated spaces for women to receive workforce training while in prison, giving them the tools and connections required to open businesses in their communities.  Patricia’s efforts have reduced the pain of families waiting for the release of loved ones and dramatically lowered the odds of recidivism. Her efforts will empower these women to live fulfilling lives. Enrique García, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Trust for the Americas, said, “(Patricia) your work in helping incarcerated people connect to their families through technology is one example of purely humanitarian effort during this distraught time.  These people and all of Brazil are better off for your work. We deeply appreciate your commitment to educating former prison inmates and their families to allow them to start a new chapter in their lives and become productive members of society. This work is imperative for more inclusive societies.” After receiving the award Mrs Patricia Villela Marino declared: “2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, particularly in our region, where the poor are the most susceptible to the health and economic consequences of Covid-19 and often must decide between staying home and losing their jobs, or going to work and risking contagion. It’s the kind of heartbreaking decision that millions of parents make every day. By bringing people together, we can make a real difference and begin to break down the barriers that divide us. We can cultivate an environment that gives everyone a voice, and a reason to listen to those around them. This is the ultimate mission for Humanitas360: to foster a society that recognizes all of us – including and especially our most vulnerable – have extraordinary value.  And through this recognition, we are able to work together to achieve a common goal.”   This Humanitarian Award reflects the mission of The Trust to promote inclusion and development by harnessing the power of digital tools and resilience as critical components on the path to economic recovery in the region. Previous winners have included the musician, Juanes, for his work on behalf of people with disabilities in Colombia, and President Bill Clinton for the work of The Clinton Foundation in Haiti. The award was presented by Secretary General Luis Almagro Lemes in an online ceremony on December 8th, 2020. About Patrícia Villela Marino Patricia is the Founder and President of the Humanitas360 Institute and co-founder of Civi-Co, a workspace that brings together civic-social entrepreneurs. She holds a law degree from Mackenzie University in São Paulo, and was a guest student in the course on Philanthropy and the Third Sectors at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She is a founding member of the Global Shapers advisory board of the World Economic Forum and created the São Paulo hub, a group of young Brazilian leaders within the Global Shapers Community. She also guided the establishment of the Latin American Platform on Drug Policy (PLPD). In addition, at the invitation of then Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Patricia was a member of the Executive Board of the Biennial of Americas, which convenes leaders from around the hemisphere in a fusion of art, music, culture and idea exchange. About The Trust for the Americas:  The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities as well as to foster innovation in vulnerable communities in the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada.  More information: www.trustfortheamericas.org   Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter:   @Trust4Americas  Media Contact          Lara Bersano Calot Director of Communications +12024609573 lbersano@20.9.190.97 Canada – Antigua & Barbuda – Argentina – Belize – Brasil – Chile – Estados Unidos – Colombia – Costa Rica – Ecuador – El Salvador – Guatemala – Honduras – Jamaica – Mexico – Nicaragua – Panamá – Perú – Puerto Rico – República Dominicana – St. Kits & Nevis – St. Lucia – St. Vincent & Granadinas – Venezuela

Ciudad de México 7 de diciembre.- Intrare se sumó a The Trust for the Americas para capacitar a personas migrantes, a través del Proyecto VIVE (ven, inspírate y vende). Esto les permitirá ampliar sus oportunidades económicas, además de fortalecer el tema de prevención de violencia hacia las niñas y las mujeres. Esta importante colaboración, permitió que el pasado 2 de diciembre, 18 personas refugiadas y solicitantes de refugio provenientes de: El Salvador, Venezuela, Honduras, Guatemala, Cuba, Haití, Angola y la República Democrática del Congo, fueran el segundo grupo graduado en 2020. Leydis, beneficiaria VIVE, expresó que sus proyectos a futuro han cambiado, “gracias al mapa de los sueños aprendí a trabajar en ellos y proyectar, no solo verlos en un papel sino visualizarlos. Estoy agradecida porque conseguí amigos y amigas, venezolanas y de otros países. Aquí conseguimos apoyo, podemos verlo y palparlo a pesar que no hemos coincidido de forma presencial. Proyecto VIVE me ayudó a quitar tantas ideas no positivas y cultivar nuevas semillas”. Klaudia González, coordinadora nacional del Proyecto VIVE comentó que pese a la crisis por el COVID-19, “en Proyecto VIVE celebramos estas alianzas para llegar a más personas, que a partir de la capacitación, tendrán herramientas para fortalecer sus habilidades para el trabajo y generar nuevas oportunidades”. Durante su participación, Hannah Töpler, Fundadora y Directora de Intrare, Incubadora para el empleo, dijo que en INTRARE, nuestra máxima prioridad es lograr la integración de las personas refugiadas con empleos y la sociedad, a pesar de las dificultades que crea COVID-19. Nuestra colaboración con el proyecto VIVE ha sido clave para lograrlo. Acabamos de terminar la capacitación de una nueva generación de 18 personas refugiadas en habilidades clave para el empleo. Ahora es el momento de reconstruir la economía, juntas, personas locales y refugiadas trabajando mano a mano”. La capacitación incluyó los temas de: “7 reglas de oro en la atención a la persona consumidora”, “cómo ser una líder”, “Cambia tu actitud y mejora tus ventas”, “Inteligencia emocional”, “Comunicación No violenta”, “Cómo hacer tu CV” y “Cómo prepararte para una entrevista de trabajo”. Además podrán ser parte de la comunidad de egresadas VIVE y acceder a otros beneficios como el Banco de Talento VIVE y el Directorio de Emprendimientos Trust. El Proyecto VIVE puede ser cursado de forma virtual a través de https://aulavirtual.trustfortheamericas.org/ donde encontrarán los temas de ventas, atención al cliente, mercadeo, promotoría y prevención de violencia, entre otros. El Proyecto VIVE es implementado en México por The Trust for the Americas desde el 2016 gracias al apoyo  de Walmart Foundation. El Proyecto tiene como objetivo ofrecer herramientas que permitan el desarrollo económico de las mujeres y darles alternativas que mejoren su condición económica y la de su familia. Entre 2016 y 2020 ha capacitado a más de 71 mil personas a nivel nacional. Del total de personas capacitadas, más de 43  mil son mujeres (40% de las cuales son jefas de familia). Asimismo, cerca de 7 mil personas fueron vinculadas a oportunidades económicas (86% mujeres, 60% fueron vinculadas a un trabajo de tiempo completo y el 21% se auto-emplearon o iniciaron proyectos de emprendimiento). Para mayor información entra en:  Visite: www.trust-oea.org/vive Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter:   @Trust4Americas Proyecto VIVE: @ProyectoVIVEMx Sobre The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas es una entidad sin fines de lucro afiliada a la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA). Establecida en 1997 para promover alianzas público-privadas, The Trust ha implementado proyectos en 24 países y ha trabajado con más de 1,000 organizaciones en la región. Nuestras iniciativas buscan promover oportunidades educativas y económicas, así como la responsabilidad y transparencia del gobierno. Nuestra alianza única con la OEA nos permite tener acceso a los tomadores de decisiones dentro de la región. Esta asociación fundamental es la base a través de la cual creamos redes sólidas en todos los estados miembros y el sector privado. A través del desarrollo de nuestra región, The Trust continúa contribuyendo a superar los desafíos a través de alianzas estratégicas que promueven la cooperación para resultados sostenibles. Mexico

Washington DC, 1 de diciembre de 2020.- Siguiendo el éxito del Foro GovTech Latam, Mexico y Argentina, presentamos la primera edición del Foro GovTech Costa Rica 2020, organizado por OS City y The Trust for the Americas con el apoyo de INNOVAAP.  El Foro GovTech Costa Rica es un encuentro de networking que reúne a los principales actores del sector público, las empresas, la academia y los organismos multilaterales, con el fin de impulsar el ecosistema de tecnología y gobierno en América Latina.  El evento busca fortalecer los vínculos entre el sector público y el privado, con el fin de impulsar el uso inteligente de las nuevas tecnologías en la mejora de los servicios públicos y las prácticas democráticas. El Foro GovTech Costa Rica es una nueva forma de fortalecer el ecosistema regional de gobierno digital y tecnología cívica.  Lucas Jolías, CEO de OSCity comenta “Este encuentro nace con nuestro convencimiento de que nos encontramos en un momento propicio para difundir actividades que permitan compartir ideas relacionadas con la transformación digital del Estado, la transparencia y el gobierno abierto, y el ecosistema GovTech en general.”   Al finalizar el Foro GovTech Costa Rica, The Trust for the Americas, OSCity e Innovaap anunciaron el lanzamiento del Fondo GovTech CR. Con esta iniciativa se buscar apoyar al Gobierno de Costa Rica en su proceso de Transformación Digital involucrando a la academia, sector público y privado y organismos multilaterales.  Rodrigo Iriani, Gerente del Programa DIA de The Trust for the Americas comenta sobre las expectativas de acceso de cara al anuncio del Fondo GovTech Costa Rica: “El fondo va a estar disponible para todas las entidades de gobiernos nacionales y subnacionales que quieran participar. Es un primer paso para promover la inversión de recursos en temas de tecnología para mejorar los servicios a los ciudadanos, con el objetivo de seguir sumando aliados en esta materia”.  El evento se llevó a cabo en la plataforma Hopin, lo cual permitió la participación de más de 200 personas.   Angélica Vega, Coordinadora del Laboratorio de innovación de la Universidad de Costa Rica, Innovaap, comenta acerca del evento y el lanzamiento del Fondo GovTech en Costa Rica “Esta iniciativa viene a facilitar un espacio de encuentro y de generación de confianza que permite a los diversos actores tanto nacionales como territoriales potenciar las capacidades en GovTech con el apoyo de las buenas experiencias internacionales. Es sumamente importante, marca un inicio de acciones coordinadas, de incentivos y de espacios de discusión que abren oportunidades únicas para el ecosistema Govtech en el país.”  La franquicia del Foro GovTech se seguirá promocionando en otras ciudades de Iberoamérica para continuar fomentando los espacios de colaboración y transparencia de gobiernos, siendo la próxima edición en Madrid el 10 de diciembre de 2020.  Para inscripciones y mayor información visita: https://hopin.com/events/foro-govtech-madrid  Sobre The Trust for the Americas:  The Trust for the Americas es una entidad sin fines de lucro afiliada a la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA). Establecida en 1997 para promover alianzas público-privadas, The Trust ha implementado proyectos en 24 países y ha trabajado con más de 1,000 organizaciones en la región. Nuestras iniciativas buscan promover oportunidades educativas y económicas, así como la responsabilidad y transparencia del gobierno. Nuestra alianza única con la OEA nos permite tener acceso a los tomadores de decisiones dentro de la región. Esta asociación fundamental es la base a través de la cual creamos redes sólidas en todos los estados miembros y el sector privado. A través del desarrollo de nuestra región, The Trust continúa contribuyendo a superar los desafíos a través de alianzas estratégicas que promueven la cooperación para resultados sostenibles.  TheTrust for the Americas es una organización sin fines de lucro 501 (c) (3) de la Ciudad de Washington DC.       Visite: www.trustfortheamericas.org  Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter:   @Trust4Americas  Costa Rica

The Trust for the Americas in partnership with the Institute of Law and Economics (ILE) and the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Information of Jamaica is launching the Youth DIA Summit during Youth Month 2020 in Jamaica.  During the Youth DIA Summit, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to REFRESH their business skills, REFOCUS their business strategies, and earn a REWARD by putting together a monetization strategy. We expect 500 participants to be empowered through the 3-weekends’ worth of hands-on online training to use social media and digital tools to learn and earn online.  In 2015, The Trust for the Americas created the program “Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA)”. DIA is a regional initiative that encourages innovation and empowers new generations through access to advanced technology, creativity accelerators, collaboration spaces, personalized study programs, tutorials, and financial resources for social and economic enterprises. To date, the DIA program has benefited more than 5,000 people directly and has incubated more than 160 social and technological innovation projects in Belize, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, and Panama.   About The Trust for the Americas:  The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). Established in 1997 to promote public and private partnerships, The Trust has implemented projects in 24 countries and worked with over 1,000 organizations in the region. Our initiatives seek to promote educational and economic opportunities as well as government accountability and transparency. Our unique alliance with the OAS allows us to have access to decision-makers within the region. This foundational partnership is the basis through which we create strong networks across member states and the private sector. Through the evolution of our region, The Trust continues to endure by facing challenges through strategic partnerships that promote cooperation for sustainable results. The Trust of the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. More information: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas Jamaica Agenda Youth DIA Summit 2020

Washington, D.C., November 6, 2020 – The Trust for the Americas received the “Iconic Companies that Create a Better World for All” award during the Women’s Economic Forum (WEF) 2020 in recognition of its work focused on increasing women’s economic empowerment through the implementation of Project VIVE in Mexico.  Linda Eddleman, CEO of The Trust for the Americas, said, “It is an honor to receive this award in recognition of Project VIVE, which we have been implementing in Mexico for more than four years. In partnership with the Walmart Foundation and the Manpower Foundation in Mexico, the project has benefited more than seventy thousand people in vulnerable situations. Eighty percent of the trainees are women.” The WEF award recognizes “the commitment of companies across all sectors to creating an inclusive work environment within communities, with a focus on gender equity and empowerment. It pays tribute to companies that are making a difference through enlightened entrepreneurship and innovative practices that advance both the economy and society.” Linda Eddleman praised the Project VIVE team: “This achievement would not have been possible without the commitment and passion of our team. More than 120 people have worked on this initiative, the vast majority of whom are women.” She also invited the audience to read *Recetario para Mujeres Poderosas: Stories to Inspire You*, a book that compiles 70 success stories of women who have graduated from Project VIVE. This book is available on The Trust for the Americas website: (https://bit.ly/3oIoyhN). The Women’s Economic Forum is dedicated to promoting women’s economic empowerment and is organized by the She Is Foundation Latin America. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s edition was held online on November 6 and 7. The WEF reported attendance of more than 1,600 people and 246 academic sessions and networking opportunities, thereby promoting women’s inclusion and the future evolution of the economy. About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, aim to improve access to economic opportunities and foster innovation in vulnerable communities throughout the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada. More information: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas Mexico