The below is attributable to Spokesperson Rebecca Chalif:
On June 9, 2022, during her second day in Los Angeles, California, for the Ninth Summit of the Americas, Administrator Samantha Power participated in a range of discussions and engagements to address challenges and opportunities in the Latin America and Caribbean region.
In the morning, Administrator Power met with Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso. During the meeting, Administrator Power and President Lasso discussed the re-opening of USAID’s Mission in Ecuador and the Lasso Administration’s development priorities. Administrator Power and President Lasso also discussed the strong U.S.-Ecuador partnership, and Administrator Power congratulated Ecuador for its election to the UN Security Council.
Afterwards, Administrator Power participated in a town hall during the IV Young Americas Forum. During the Q&A session with youth participants from the audience, she highlighted the Central American Service Corps initiative, recently announced by Vice President Kamala Harris, which will provide young people in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras with paid community service opportunities, mentorship, and a path to future employment.
Later, the Administrator and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas hosted a multisector roundtable discussion on the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to expand seasonal labor migration pathways from northern Central America while strengthening worker protections. Joined by representatives of the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, as well as stakeholders from business, labor and civil society, Administrator Power and Secretary Mayorkas also announced the U.S. Government’s first ever “Guidance on Fair Recruitment Practices for Temporary Migrant Workers.”
Administrator Power met with Guatemalan Foreign Minister Mario Búcaro to discuss a range of issues in the U.S.-Guatemala relationship and the significant development gains recently achieved through the partnership between USAID and the Guatemalan people, including increased private investment and access to education, job training, and essential health and nutrition services. Administrator Power underscored the importance of transparency, support for civil society, and action to advance anti-corruption efforts.
Administrator Power also participated in a panel discussion on women’s leadership in the Americas, alongside Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and Foreign Minister of Panama Erika Mouynes, where she highlighted USAID’s commitments to advancing gender equality and promoting democratic governance.
Administrator Power concluded her activities at the Summit of the Americas with a meeting with Minister Joly. Administrator Power thanked Minister Joly for Canada’s leadership in mobilizing resources to address global crises, and they discussed ways to address rising food insecurity around the world.