THE Venezuelan regime’s recent postures and actions concerning its illegal claim of Guyana’s territory have raised concerns about stability in the Western Hemisphere, prompting Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, to address the issue at the Eighth Concordia Americas Summit held at the University of Miami, April 22-23, 2024.

The summit, focusing on sustainable and inclusive growth and strengthening democracy, brought together leaders from across the Western Hemisphere to discuss critical topics such as climate change, governance, security, migration, rule of law, investment, economic partnerships, and education.

Foreign Secretary Persaud participated in a Strategic Dialogue titled ‘Regional Unity: Strategies to Improve Western Hemisphere Relationships,’ aiming to foster collaboration between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The dialogue provided a platform for leaders and experts to identify and discuss key challenges and threats requiring greater cooperation, including security issues, democratic backsliding, socio-economic pressures, supply chain disruptions, irregular migration, natural disasters, and cybercrime.

During the dialogue, Persaud emphasised the importance of a collaborative, regional, and hemispheric approach in addressing these challenges, stressing the need for unity and cooperation among nations.

Among the distinguished speakers at the dialogue were Secretary General of the Organization of American States, HE Luis Almagro; former President of Colombia, Iván Duque; Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, HE Terrance Drew; Combatant Commander of US Southern Command, Gen. Laura Richardson, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, Hon. Gabriela Sommerfield.

Concordia, known as a global convener of leaders from various sectors, will host its Second Concordia Amazonas Summit in Guyana, July 9-13, 2024, with a focus on Environmental Sustainability and Financial Inclusion, highlighting the importance of cross-sector solutions in addressing pressing global challenges.