Inter-American Dialogue to Honor CAF President Enrique García with Lifetime Achievement Award

Washington, DC — Enrique García, president of CAF – Development Bank of Latin America, will be presented with the Inter-American Dialogue’s Distinguished Leadership for the Americas Award at a gala dinner on November 16, 2016 in Washington, DC, by Enrique Iglesias, former president of the Inter-American Development Bank and former Ibero-American secretary general.

Iglesias, chair emeritus of the Dialogue’s Board of Directors, praised García’s “unwavering commitment to social equity and democratic governance, even in the most challenging of economic and political times. The lives of millions of people in Latin America and the Caribbean have improved as a result of his exemplary and transformational leadership. His contribution has been immeasurable and enduring.”

The Dialogue’s Distinguished Leadership for the Americas Award celebrates individuals whose life work has been dedicated to advancing hemispheric cooperation and progress. Past award recipients include former President of the Government of Spain Felipe González, US Senator Tim Kaine, former President of the World Bank Robert Zoellick, Mexican philanthropist Daniel Chávez Morán, and Guatemalan entrepreneur Salvador Paiz.

“I feel truly honored to receive this award from such a prestigious institution, which plays a key role in fostering dialogue and understanding in the Americas and has been, over many years, an important partner of CAF. This award inspires me to continue working more enthusiastically every day to promote sustainable development and regional integration in Latin America, as well as to foster cooperation and prosperity in the Hemisphere,” said García.

Enrique García was elected president of CAF in 1991. He previously served as Bolivia’s minister of planning and coordination and headed the country’s economic and social cabinet. Under his leadership, CAF has grown to become one of the most important and innovative multilateral institutions in the region and has gained world-wide recognition. García will conclude his fifth and final term as president of CAF in March 2017.

“President García’s extraordinary leadership and experience in Bolivia’s government, the private sector and the Inter-American Development Bank have enriched all of us who have had the pleasure of working with him and greatly strengthened the reach and influence of our work and that of CAF. We are eternally grateful for his wisdom and friendship, and look forward to celebrating his many accomplishments, past and yet to come,” said former US Trade Representative Carla A. Hills, co-chair of the Dialogue’s Board of Directors and Gala Committee.

García has been a member of the Inter-American Dialogue since 2001. He joined the organization’s Board of Directors in 2007 and was named co-vice chair in 2013.

More than 400 distinguished guests from the policy, diplomatic, and corporate communities will attend the gala dinner. Additional honorees and program participants are to be confirmed. Click here for more information on the gala. For inquiries regarding sponsorship or ticket opportunities, contact gala@thedialogue.org or +1-202-463-2563. For press inquiries, contact press@thedialogue.org or +1-202-463-2931.

About the Inter-American Dialogue

The Inter-American Dialogue engages its network of global leaders to foster democratic governance, prosperity, and social equity in Latin America and the Caribbean. Together, we shape policy debate, generate ideas, devise solutions, and enhance collaboration within the Western Hemisphere. For more information, visit www.thedialogue.org.

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