Latin America and the Caribbean is the second most disaster-prone region in the world. In the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras the effects of extreme weather and changing climate conditions are further compounded by a confluence of violence and migration challenges. Insecurity in the region is fueled by extreme rates of gang violence and extortion, failing democratic governance and ineffective institutions, pervasive corruption, and gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequality. More recently, insecurity has also been propelled by the expansion of illicit networks and the limited capacity of cities to constructively absorb a growing number of migrants.
In the face of these complex dynamics, a focus on prevention and investments that address commonly overlooked factors—like the challenges facing women and girls in the region—can yield exponential resilience outcomes. Join this Wilson Center event on April 28th to hear from a panel of experts on how we can better support decision-makers, civil society, and diverse communities of practice to work together to strengthen resilience in the region.
Speakers:
- Nahuel Arenas García, Deputy Chief, Regional Office for the Americas & the Caribbean, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
- Aracely Martínez Rodas, Director of the Master in Development, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala
- Angel del Valle, Country Representative and Senior Research Officer, Guatemala Office, Population Council
- Mileydi Guilarte, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, U.S. Agency for International Development
- Roger Pulwarty, Senior Scientist, Physical Sciences Laboratory, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration