Press releases

St. George’s, July 30, 2026 — The Trust for the Americas, an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), and T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) are moving forward with the implementation of Strengthening the Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (SEED) in Grenada, a program funded by CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean—designed to expand economic opportunities for young people across the island through digital training, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The program targets 200 young people between the ages of 17 and 34, equipping them with in-demand skills in digital literacy, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, innovation, and life skills, all backed by certifications recognized by companies such as Microsoft and EY. Participants have access to mentorship and professional networks, and will compete in a national Pitch Tank Competition where the top ideas can receive up to USD 7,000 in seed funding to move from concept to implementation. The program also includes a national ideathon and sessions with private-sector leaders. “The SEED Project represents an important investment in Grenada’s future. By equipping 200 participants—particularly our young people—with practical skills in digital technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership, this initiative will help transform ideas into sustainable businesses, employment opportunities, and meaningful solutions to challenges within our communities. For T. A. Marryshow Community College, this partnership with The Trust for the Americas strengthens our ability to provide relevant, future-oriented training while reinforcing our role as a catalyst for national development. ”We are proud to help build a generation of confident innovators and entrepreneurs who can contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and competitive Grenadian economy,“ said Mr. Andrew Abraham, Principal of T. A. Marryshow Community College. The Trust for the Americas designed the program by drawing on successful models implemented across 30 countries in the hemisphere. In Grenada, the initiative is being implemented in partnership with TAMCC, which leads local outreach, coordinates activities, and supports the launch of an Innovation Center that will serve as a lasting hub for youth entrepreneurship beyond the program’s initial cycle. ”SEED is not just a training program; it is an investment in Grenada’s long-term capacity to innovate. By combining a comprehensive curriculum with a permanent Innovation Center and a network of mentors and private-sector partners, we are building something that will outlast our direct involvement and serve as a replicable model for the broader Eastern Caribbean,“ said Jorge Máquez, Project Manager for the English-speaking Americas at Trust for the Americas. In addition to directly training 200 young people, SEED is engaging 200 additional community members through outreach activities. Upon completion, the program will produce case studies documenting lessons learned to support replication in other Eastern Caribbean countries. The initiative has the support of the Government of Grenada, which has expressed a strong commitment to expanding youth access to technology and digital opportunities. The Hon. Joseph Andall, Grenada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and OAS Assistant Secretary General H.E. Nestor Méndez have both recognized The Trust for the Americas as a key affiliate delivering measurable results across the region. About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the evolving world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), The Trust builds strategic partnerships with the public sector, private sector, academia, and civil society to expand opportunities throughout the region. With nearly 30 years of experience, the organization has impacted more than 6.3 million people in 30 countries, fostering economic opportunity and promoting innovation as a driver of progress across the Americas. For more information, visit: https://trust-oea.org/ About TAMCC: The T. A. Marryshow Community College is a publicly funded institution established to provide tertiary-level training in the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. The College serves as a hub for lifelong learning, innovation, and personal development. Whether you choose to pursue an associate degree, a technical diploma, or a certificate in a specialized field, you can be assured that our curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge that are highly sought after by employers in today’s competitive job market. As a national institution supported by public funding, the College is dedicated to expanding and enriching educational opportunities for all citizens to enhance the nation’s overall development. With a dedicated team of experienced faculty and comprehensive support staff, our college strives to empower each student to achieve their academic and professional goals. We are fully committed to our motto, ”Taking you from where you are to where you want to go.” For more information about TAMCC, visit tamcc.edu.gd

Guatemala City, July 30, 2026. In July, Trust for the Americas completed a series of in-person training sessions in three departments of Guatemala as part of the TECLA project, funded by SBA Communications. The initiative enabled more than 130 people to strengthen their skills in entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and artificial intelligence, with an emphasis on training facilitators who will share this knowledge in their communities.  Chiquimula: Intensive Entrepreneurship Workshop for Youth In partnership with INTECAP, 41 young people participated in an intensive workshop focused on the Business Model Canvas, design tools, artificial intelligence, social media, and business marketing. To conclude the workshop, three AI toolkits—focused on entrepreneurship, education, and employability—were distributed, which the young people can continue to use. Guatemala City: Institutional Strengthening on Three Fronts The Trust program trained 29 trainers from MuniTec, ImpulsaTec, and the Women’s Affairs Office of the Municipality of Guatemala in the Internet of Things, app development, web design, artificial intelligence, and gender-sensitive business models. Participants conducted hands-on exercises with electronic kits that they will later use to develop their own Internet of Things (IoT) projects.  Additionally, 15 trainers from the Benemérito Comité Pro Ciegos y Sordos received training in artificial intelligence applied to inclusive education and entrepreneurship. These trainers will share this knowledge within their institution, which directly serves 295 people.  During the event, the Benemérito Comité presented a commemorative medal marking its 80 years of service to María Olga Santiesteban, a representative of SBA Communications, and to Dacia Aragón, from the Office of the OAS General Secretariat in Guatemala. Alta Verapaz: Sustainable Capacity-Building in the Region In partnership with FEDECOVERA, 48 people (28 facilitators and 20 entrepreneurs) participated in an intensive workshop on artificial intelligence and digital marketing, reinforcing a training model aimed at building sustainable capacity in the communities.   Luz Marina Correa, senior project manager, stated: “Every training process we promote leaves behind established capacity in the territories through teachers, facilitators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who spread knowledge and create new opportunities for local economic development. This is only possible when connectivity is understood as a right and as a driving force behind innovation, inclusion, and community growth.”  Looking ahead to the coming months, TECLA will continue its expansion: in August, it will launch a virtual training cycle with HOSAGUA, the Trifinio Women’s Network, which brings together more than 600 women producers and cooperative members in Guatemala. In November, the Benemérito Comité and INTECAP Chiquimula will host an inclusive entrepreneurship fair and a business matchmaking event, respectively, to showcase the projects of those trained during the initiative.   *** About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by equipping people with the key skills they need to thrive in the new world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), The Trust forges strategic partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to expand opportunities throughout the region. With nearly 30 years of experience, it has impacted more than 6.5 million people in 30 countries, driving the development of economic opportunities and fostering innovation as a engine of progress in the Americas.  Press Contact: Carlos Escalante, Communications Manager, The Trust for the Americas, cescalante@oas.org 

Nonprofit organizations from across the country are participating in the national launch of Microsoft’s global initiative focused on the responsible use of artificial intelligence.  On June 23, 2026, nonprofit organizations from different regions of Brazil participated in the national launch of Microsoft Elevate for Changemakers, a global Microsoft initiative created to support professionals and leaders in the nonprofit sector in the responsible use of artificial intelligence, with the goal of expanding and strengthening the impact of their organizations.  The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS) and a Microsoft partner in Brazil for 16 years, is joining Microsoft Elevate for Changemakers as a partner organization in the country. Through this partnership, The Trust will make the courses available to the Brazilian public via its free platform, Capacita-te Brasil, and will support the delivery of live training sessions designed for organizations in the sector. This initiative reinforces the organization’s role as a strategic player in democratizing access to knowledge about artificial intelligence in the country.  During the virtual meeting, Lúcia Rodrigues, Director of Artificial Intelligence Training at Microsoft Brazil, presented the three central pillars of the initiative: a global community for third-sector professionals, a credential with specialized courses, and a program of live and on-demand AI training sessions. Through the Capacita-te Brasil platform, organizations and their employees can access two free, certified courses: “AI in Your Work at Nonprofits,” aimed at professionals who wish to incorporate AI into their daily work efficiently and responsibly, and “AI for Your Nonprofit Organization,” designed for managers and leaders responsible for implementing the technology strategically and securely.  Next, Fátima Galeazzo, Project Manager, and Laura Kretly, Project and E-learning Officer at The Trust for the Americas, led a hands-on training session on using Microsoft Copilot in the nonprofit sector. The session explored concrete applications of the tool in addressing organizations’ day-to-day challenges, such as report writing, institutional communication, analyzing calls for proposals, and preparing proposals, with examples from both the free and paid versions of Copilot, as well as information on benefits and discounts on Microsoft products available to nonprofit organizations.  “For many nonprofit organizations, the biggest challenge isn’t the technology itself, but knowing how to use it responsibly and strategically. It is precisely this gap that we want to bridge by partnering with Microsoft on this mission. We want any organization, regardless of size or budget, to be able to harness the potential of AI to amplify its impact.” — Fátima Galeazzo, Project Manager, The Trust for the Americas The Trust for the Americas also presented “Zapeando a IA,” a course developed in partnership with Microsoft and conducted entirely via WhatsApp. Participants can access the lessons, complete the activities, and receive their certificate directly on their cell phones, demonstrating that learning about artificial intelligence can be practical, accessible, and available to everyone.  The event saw broad participation and significant engagement from the organizations in attendance, marking the start of this important global initiative by Microsoft in Brazil and reinforcing the joint effort with The Trust for the Americas to expand the nonprofit sector’s capabilities in artificial intelligence. The courses are available for free on our Capacita-te Brasil platform. *** About The Trust for the Americas:  The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS) that promotes social and economic inclusion in the Americas. Through its programs, it supports individuals and communities in developing the essential skills needed to thrive in today’s job market, driving initiatives in employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation in collaboration with various sectors. 

El Paso, Texas — February 11, 2026. Nine trainees celebrated the completion of the second cohort of the Skills for Sustainability (S4S) SCADA Training Project during a graduation ceremony held at Western Technical College. Led by The Trust for the Americas, in partnership with Workforce Solutions Borderplex and Western Tech, and funded by the North American Development Bank, the S4S initiative equips participants with the technical and socio--emotional skills needed to operate and maintain Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. These systems constitute critical digital infrastructure that enables water and energy utilities to monitor and manage operations in real time. Through a comprehensive blend of classroom instruction, hands-on technical training, and job placement support, the project directly addresses the Paso del Norte region’s growing demand for skilled SCADA professionals and strengthens the local workforce pipeline for essential infrastructure sectors.  The graduation ceremony brought together representatives from key partner institutions, including Rogelio Luna, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Workforce Solutions Borderplex; Renata Manning-Gbogbo, Head of the Capacity and Technical Assistance Unit at the North American Development Bank (NADBank); and Brad Kuykendall, CEO of Western Technical College. “NADBank finances infrastructure projects in the U.S.–Mexico border region to improve the quality of life on both sides of the border. Through loans, grants, and technical assistance, we invest not only in critical infrastructure but also in the people who make it possible. Developed in collaboration with our partners, the Skills for Sustainability project brings this commitment to life by strengthening workforce skills to build healthier communities and deliver lasting benefits for border residents,” said Renata Manning-Gbogbo, Head of the Capacity and Technical Assistance Unit at NADBank.  “This initiative reflects our commitment to strategic workforce development by investing in training that directly addresses labor market needs. By preparing participants for careers in critical infrastructure, we are promoting economic mobility for residents while supporting long-term workforce solutions for regional employers. ”Collaboration with industry, training providers, and community partners remains essential to creating sustainable opportunities and ensuring lasting success for both talent and regional growth,“ said Rogelio Luna, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Workforce Solutions Borderplex.  ”Western Technical College is grateful for the opportunity to deliver this training and to work alongside our partners in supporting the growth of our local workforce. Projects like Skills for Sustainability allow us to equip individuals with the technical skills needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving career pathways while strengthening the talent pipeline for critical infrastructure industries in our region. “Seeing our trainees complete this project and move toward meaningful career advancement reinforces our commitment to education that directly impacts both individuals and the community as a whole,” said John Nunez, Customized Training Director at WTC.  These outcomes underscore the program’s role in building a resilient, future-ready technical workforce for the Paso del Norte region. To date, S4S has trained eight participants through its first SCADA cohort, and it will train an additional 16 participants during the first semester of 2026, with the goal of strengthening the region’s utility and industrial workforce pipeline.  “Skills for Sustainability is about expanding economic opportunity while building the capacity of essential public services. By investing in SCADA training, we’re helping communities strengthen their infrastructure and creating pathways to quality jobs,” said Jorge Marquez Gaspar, Project Manager, The Trust for the Americas.  ***       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 throughout the hemisphere. To this end, Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada. More information: www.thetrustfortheamericas.org        

Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, February 5, 2026. The northern border between Mexico and the United States is one of the most dynamic regions on the continent. According to the North American Development Bank (NADBank), this area has more than 26 million inhabitants, of whom nearly 19 million reside in the six Mexican border states, which together account for 26 % of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This intense economic and social activity also entails a profound environmental interdependence that, in recent years, has highlighted a growing water crisis.  Factors such as the overexploitation of aquifers, prolonged droughts, and constant demographic pressure have increased the risks to water security in border cities such as Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and El Paso, Texas. Both cities rely heavily on shared groundwater sources, particularly the Bolsón del Hueco Aquifer. According to the report *Water in Ciudad Juárez*, published by the Juárez Municipal Water and Sanitation Board (JMAS), this aquifer is severely overexploited: the volume of water extracted exceeds natural recharge, and the historical drawdown of the wells has reached nearly 100 meters. In this context, the governments of Mexico and the United States have formally recognized the urgency of addressing water challenges through binational environmental cooperation mechanisms. As a result, strategic priorities have been established focused on integrated water management, access to safe drinking water, and the strengthening of community capacities in the border region. In this vein, NADBank has emphasized that investment in water-related projects is essential for the region’s sustainable economic development, while highlighting youth training on water and environmental issues as a key component for strengthening community resilience.  In response to these challenges, Jale por el Agua (Skills for Sustainability – S4S in El Paso, Texas) was launched—a binational initiative with high social and environmental impact implemented in Ciudad Juárez and El Paso. The project on the Mexican side of the border was launched with the support of The Trust for the Americas, an entity affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS), Microsoft, the North American Development Bank (NADBank), and local organizations, establishing itself as a model of multisectoral and cross-border cooperation. Implemented between 2023 and 2025, “Jale por el Agua” trained nearly 400 vulnerable young people between the ages of 18 and 30 in Ciudad Juárez, strengthening their life skills, job competencies, and technical knowledge related to the water and environmental sectors. The training content was designed based on local and regional needs and incorporated topics such as sustainability, climate change, and technological innovation. As a result, the project promoted participants’ employment and educational opportunities in sectors related to water, the environment, sustainability, and technology. Thanks to this approach, 90 % of the participants gained access to an economic and/or educational opportunity.  In Ciudad Juárez, the Jale por el Agua project was supported by a strong multisectoral alliance comprising social actors such as Jóvenes Constructores de la Comunidad (JCC); government agencies such as the Secretariat of Human Development and the Common Good and the Juárez Municipal Water and Sanitation Board (JMAS); as well as business and technology entities such as VEOLIA, Waterhouse Group, FIXXI APP, ARCA Continental, and the Ciudad Juárez Chamber of Commerce. This collaboration helped strengthen technical training and youth employment in sectors critical to sustainability and community development.  “Jale por el Agua demonstrates that investing in young people is also investing in water security along the border: when life skills, technical training, and public-private partnerships are combined, young people become agents of resilience for their communities. In Ciudad Juárez, this effort built capacity, opened doors to educational and employment opportunities, and strengthened a model of binational cooperation that we want to continue promoting throughout the region.” Jorge Márquez Although the implementation of Jale por el Agua is coming to a close in Ciudad Juárez, its impact extends beyond the local level. The initiative continues to be implemented in other strategic areas along the U.S.-Mexico border, strengthening a binational network of trained youth, community leaders, and institutional partners committed to water sustainability and social development. *** About The Trust for the Americas:      The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion in the hemisphere by developing key skills for employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States, The Trust builds regional and local partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors. Since its inception, it has worked in more than 29 countries in the Americas and has impacted more than 6 million people through initiatives that connect training, technology, and real economic opportunities.  

San José, Costa Rica. February 3, 2026 — The Trust for the Americas, an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), in partnership with the Citi Foundation, celebrated the launch of a regional project aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and employability as key drivers of inclusive economic prosperity in Latin America and the Caribbean. The event brought together leaders from the private sector, institutions focused on trade and competitiveness, civil society organizations, and specialized media outlets. As part of the event, a strategic panel titled “How Partnerships Redefine Economic Prosperity” was held, designed as a forum for dialogue to analyze the role of multisectoral partnerships in generating sustainable economic growth, quality employment, and productive entrepreneurship in the region. The panel featured Linda Eddleman, CEO of The Trust for the Americas; Elizabeth Arroyave, CEO of EA Tech and vice president of the Chamber of Information Technology (CAMTIC); Ed Sánchez, Citi Country Officer & Banking Head (CCOBH) for Costa Rica; and Ivannia Arguedas, Director of Innovation and Projects at PROCOMER. The session was moderated by Milenia Romero, Executive Director of Hogar Siembra. During the event, Ambassador Sergio Vinocour, Director of International Cooperation at the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, shared the country’s vision on the strategic role of international cooperation as a catalyst for sustainable development. During his remarks, he highlighted the importance of moving toward results-oriented cooperation models, emphasizing how the Organization of American States, through its affiliate The Trust for the Americas, helps translate hemispheric priorities into tangible and measurable impacts in Member States. During the meeting, it was emphasized that economic prosperity can no longer be addressed through isolated efforts or traditional intervention models. Instead, the need was underscored to promote new forms of collaboration between the private sector, the public sector, and civil society—designed with a focus on scale, sustainability, and concrete economic results. This event officially marked the launch of a regional project focused on technology training, employability, and entrepreneurship. Its goal is to build capacity and facilitate access to real economic opportunities for 700 vulnerable individuals in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Panama. The initiative is part of a strategic commitment to more inclusive and sustainable development models in the region. Linda Eddleman emphasized the importance of working in partnership to drive social and economic development in Member States of the Organization of American States, such as Costa Rica. “For us, the launch of this project represents an opportunity to further scale up the impact we have in Costa Rica through collaboration with various sectors. We aim to strengthen our coordination with the private sector to transform this initiative into concrete economic opportunities that translate into higher incomes for families and a skilled workforce for companies and startups that become part of the country’s value chains,” she said. Ed Sanchez noted, “At Citi, we feel deeply honored and committed to being a key participant and provider of essential support for this partnership. We are convinced that multisectoral collaboration is the essential driving force for fostering inclusive and sustainable economic prosperity. Through this project, we reaffirm our vision of empowering the most vulnerable communities by providing them with the tools and opportunities necessary for entrepreneurship and employability to become pillars of their development. Together, we are investing in a more equitable and dynamic future for our region.” Hogar Siembra hosted this landmark event, during which attendees took a tour of the Trust Center—an initiative that supports vulnerable girls and adolescents in the community. This experience provided tangible evidence of how multisectoral partnerships translate into concrete results in terms of training, employability, and community development. The meeting concluded with a high-level discussion on the strategic role of multisectoral partnerships in building inclusive and sustainable economic prosperity. About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion in the hemisphere by developing key skills for employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States, The Trust coordinates regional and local partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors. Since its inception, it has worked in more than 29 countries in the Americas and has impacted more than 6 million people through initiatives that connect training, technology, and real economic opportunities. For more information: www.thetrustfortheamericas.org

Guatemala City, January 27, 2026. — The Trust for the Americas, an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Municipality of Guatemala signed a collaboration agreement that reaffirms their joint commitment to social and economic inclusion, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and creating opportunities for the Guatemalan people. During the event, the launch of the TECLA project (Promoting Technology and Connectivity for Leadership and Learning in Central America) was announced. This initiative is being implemented in partnership with SBA Communications, a leading provider of essential wireless communications infrastructure,and which aims to strengthen digital, employability, and entrepreneurial skills through the responsible use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence. Representatives from SBA Communications also participated in the event. Linda Eddleman, CEO of The Trust for the Americas, highlighted the strategic partnership the organization maintains with these private-sector entities and emphasized Guatemala’s historical and strategic importance to the institution: “Guatemala holds a very important place in the history of The Trust. More than twenty years ago, we established our first technology center here, launching a model that is now present in 29 countries across the hemisphere. This new step reaffirms our long-term commitment to Guatemalan communities and to creating real and sustainable economic opportunities.” Over more than two decades of work in the country, The Trust has impacted nearly 100,000 people in Guatemala, expanding their access to knowledge, digital tools, and economic opportunities. Currently, the organization operates nearly 400 technology and innovation centers across the Americas, establishing itself as a key player in promoting inclusion and economic development, particularly for women. At The Trust for the Americas, 60% of the participants in our projects are women, reflecting our commitment to gender equity. Through our initiatives, we help reduce inequality gaps and strengthen women’s leadership by expanding training opportunities and promoting women’s active participation in the economic and social development of their communities. For his part, Mayor Ricardo Quiñónez of the Municipality of Guatemala emphasized the importance of this partnership as a mechanism to strengthen local development and territorial innovation: “In Guatemala City, we believe in the talent of our youth; we value it and foster their ability to innovate and become entrepreneurs through technology.  At the municipality, we have a clear vision backed by projects and programs where opportunities become a reality.  Young people are the present and future of the city; when we promote spaces for training, education, and entrepreneurship, we are building a more dynamic economy and a future where ideas can be transformed into solutions that contribute to the community’s progress.” The TECLA project will begin its implementation in Guatemala with a regional rollout that prioritizes Guatemala City and the municipality of Chiquimula, in coordination with public, private, and community stakeholders. It is estimated that the project will directly benefit more than 600 people, with a broader impact reaching more than 1,500 beneficiaries, including families and communities. This partnership reflects a shared vision based on collaboration between the public sector, the private sector, and civil society as an effective way to bridge digital divides, strengthen local capacities, and promote inclusive and sustainable economic development. *** About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion in the hemisphere by developing key skills for employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States, The Trust fosters regional and local partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors. Since its inception, it has worked in more than 29 countries across the Americas and has impacted more than 6 million people through initiatives that connect training, technology, and real economic opportunities. For more information: www.thetrustfortheamericas.org About the Municipality of Guatemala: The Municipality of Guatemala works daily on innovative projects to provide residents with quality basic services. We also promote social, environmental, and cultural activities, and drive local economic development and sustainable environmental management.

David Ortiz is the first Dominican to receive this honor from this OAS-affiliated organization. Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Dominican Republic.—The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) hosted the ceremony in which The Trust for the Americas and the Organization of American States (OAS) presented the 2025 Humanitarian Award to Dominican philanthropist and Cooperstown Hall of Fame inductee David Ortiz, in recognition of his outstanding work on behalf of vulnerable children. Through the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, his humanitarian work has made possible 1,676 pediatric heart surgeries, as well as specialized evaluations and care for more than 16,000 children in both the Dominican Republic and New England, United States. His foundation has successfully forged partnerships that provide access to high-quality medical services for families facing significant barriers to care. The ceremony, held at the MIREX Convention Center, was presided over by Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, the OAS representative in the country, Luis Esteban De La Torre, and the executive director of The Trust for the Americas, Linda Eddleman. The Humanitarian Award has previously been presented to figures such as Bill Clinton, Juanes, and Stanley Motta, and for the first time recognizes a Dominican citizen, highlighting the hemispheric impact of Ortiz’s work. During his keynote remarks at the event, Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez said, “To have had figures of David Ortiz’s stature, who have always carried their heart and soul—that Dominican spirit and joy—beyond the country’s borders, means no one mistakes him for being from anywhere other than the Dominican Republic. ”We take pride in the fame and talent that David has created, and we express our gratitude through this recognition—for everything and more. All those children whom you have helped through your foundation to lead normal lives—that places you in a unique and distinguished position,“ said Minister Álvarez. The event was opened by María Alejandra Castillo de Rault, director of Specialized Diplomacy at MIREX, who emphasized that her department promotes sports as a tool for building relationships, fostering leadership, and enhancing the country’s international profile. ”David Ortiz’s career confirms that power: his example inspires, unites communities, and raises the profile of the Dominican Republic around the world.“ The OAS representative in the country, Luis Esteban de La Torre, stated that ”for the Organization of American States, this Humanitarian Award is an opportunity to underscore our conviction that the protection of children and adolescents is a hemispheric priority. Together with The Trust for the Americas and partners such as the Dominican Republic, we are promoting initiatives that seek to close inequality gaps and expand opportunities for those living in vulnerable situations. The recognition of David Ortiz honors leadership that transforms lives and reflects, in practice, the principles that guide the OAS’s work in the region.“ For her part, Linda Eddleman, executive director of The Trust for the Americas, stated that ”this award honors the kind of leadership that truly changes lives. David has used his story and his influence to open doors, restore hope, and bring aid where it is needed most. At The Trust for the Americas, we work to create opportunities throughout the region, and his humanitarian work embodies that spirit of collaboration that drives real results for thousands of families.” During the ceremony, David Ortiz expressed his gratitude for the award and acknowledged the work of the professionals and organizations that make this mission possible. The institutions also highlighted the impact of The Trust for the Americas in the country, where it has maintained more than two decades of continuous cooperation. In partnership with public and private entities, the organization promotes programs focused on digital inclusion, innovation, employability, and technology training that have impacted nearly 200,000 people in various communities across the country. Notable among its initiatives are the network of 101 Community Technology Centers, the innovation labs implemented in collaboration with ADASEC Dominicana in Bonao, La Vega, and Baní, and technical training programs developed with AES Dominicana. The event was attended by deputy ministers and directors from MIREX; OAS officials; representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country; business leaders; members of civil society organizations; family members of David Ortiz; and special guests.