The Atlantic Council, Florida International University, and U.S. Department of State invites you to join the third in a series of virtual events titled, “Summit of the Americas Office Hours.” This series engages with youth, US and regional government officials, academic leaders, and university students on specific Summit themes.

This third event will convene US government policymakers, technology experts and academics for an inclusive conversation about digital opportunities in the Americas.

The COVID-19 pandemic hastened a digital transition across the world as education, commerce, and healthcare providers moved online. But greater internet access is needed across Latin America and the Caribbean. In rural areas, access is nearly 50 percent lower than in urban areas, and while nearly 40 percent of LAC consumers utilize digital payments, about half of the region remains unbanked.

How can we ensure that the wave of digitalization doesn’t exacerbate inequality and leave vulnerable communities behind? How can new technologies be harnessed to bring resources to underserved communities? With the ninth Summit of the Americas fast approaching, how can leaders better connect the region through digital tools?

Speakers

Ruth Berry
Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Information and Communications Policy
Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy
U.S. Department of State

Luz Gomez
Vice President for Social Impact, Latin America and the Caribbean
Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

Gerald Torres
James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Florida International University Class of 2022

Charlene Goldfield – Featured Faculty Member
Adjunct Faculty
Florida International University

Moderator

Pepe Zhang
Associate Director and Fellow
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center
Atlantic Council

The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center broadens understanding of regional transformations and delivers constructive, results-oriented solutions to inform how the public and private sectors can advance hemispheric prosperity.