Inter-American Dialogue Honors Champions of Latin America
The Dialogue will honor US Senator Tim Kaine and philanthropist Salvador Paiz at a gala dinner on November 13, 2014
Washington, DC – The Inter-American Dialogue will honor US Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and philanthropist Salvador Paiz at a gala dinner on November 13, 2014. Over 300 US and foreign dignitaries, including former Presidents Laura Chinchilla of Costa Rica, Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico, and Leonel Fernandez of the Dominican Republic, are expected to attend the event, to be held at the Organization of American States.
Kaine, who is chair of the US-Mexico Inter-Parliamentary Group and previously served as governor of Virginia and chair of the Democratic National Committee, will be recognized for his contributions to American diplomatic leadership in Latin America.
“Senator Kaine has helped ensure that Latin America and the Caribbean remains on the US foreign policy agenda. He has also been a powerful and effective voice in the immigration debate, which is critical for US relations with the region,” said Mack McLarty, former special envoy for the Americas and Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton, the gala’s honorary chair.
Paiz, chair of Grupo PDC and FunSEPA, a Guatemalan foundation which has outfitted the country’s public schools with over 16,000 computers, will be honored for his efforts to reduce poverty and improve education quality in his country and Latin America.
“Paiz is an energetic and innovative leader committed to enhance opportunities and advance prosperity throughout the region,” said Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue.
OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza will deliver welcoming remarks at the gala. Chilean President Michelle Bachelet will deliver pre-recorded remarks. Ray Suarez of Al Jazeera America will serve as master of ceremonies.
The gala celebrates the 10th plenary meeting of the Dialogue’s 100 members via the Sol M. Linowitz Forum. The two-day gathering seeks to forge collaborative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the Western Hemisphere. The Dialogue’s members include 16 former heads of state, over 30 former ministers, and more than 50 global business and civil society leaders.
The Gala is open to credentialed press. Pre-registration is required. Contact Caroline Dolan (cdolan@thedialogue.org, 202-463-2577) for more information. The Forum is a private, invitation-only event.
The Inter-American Dialogue is the leading US center for policy analysis, exchange, and communication on issues in the Western Hemisphere. Its mission is to bring together public and private leaders from around the world to debate the most critical issues facing the Americas and find cooperative solutions.
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