Paraguay will host the 2014 Global Peace Convention.

The Global Peace Foundation and partners have been in Paraguay developing a model of nation-building based on principles and values since 2008. In 2010, former and current heads of state, business and civic leaders, academics and media specialists signed the Asuncion Declaration pledging to “revive the civic values and virtues that reflect the better spiritual, democratic, and plural traditions of humanity in this continent.”

Three years have passed and 2013, in many respects, was a pivotal year for Paraguay. In April, she successfully held peaceful elections and smoothly transitioned into the newly elected Cartes administration.  Later in the year, at the Global Peace Convention 2013 in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Paraguay was announced as the host of the 2014 Global Peace Convention.

These achievements were hard won through the efforts of unassuming champions working on the front-lines to bring transparency and ethics to Paraguay. Among them are Senator Lillian Samaniego, President of the Colorado Party and winner of the 2013 Global Peace Award for Good Governance, H.E. Juan Carlos Wasmosy, former President of Paraguay and founding member of the Latin American Presidential Mission, and newly elected Governor of Alto Paraguay, Marlene Ocampos.

Recently ABC Color interviewed Governor Ocampos on her approach to bringing good governance and economic development to the traditionally isolated and poverty-stricken region of Alto Paraguay. Below is the article posted by the Global Peace Foundation based on the original article in ABC Color, “Alto Paraguay Wants to Strip Itself of the Heavy Burden of Corruption”

Governor Ocampos presented at the Global Peace Business Forum prior to the Global Peace Convention 2013.

Alto Paraguay is the poorest, most isolated state in Paraguay.  Its history is littered with corruption, written by an elite class who has shown little to no concern for its citizens.

The citizens of Alto Paraguay are ready to leave behind the heavy burdens of decades of tainted government. Leaders like the recently elected governor of Alto Paraguay, Marlene Ocampos, the only female governor of Paraguay, are ready to change Alto Paraguay. Through her firm commitment to transparency and morality, Ocampos is stimulating development in the isolated state of Alto Paraguay.

With a population of only 17 thousand people, one wonders about the region’s lack of growth and population. Part of the issue is a lack of infrastructure which keeps the region secluded from the rest of Paraguay. A lack of fiscal responsibility has limited funds that would go towards providing proper services like health care, sanitation, environmental conservation and education.

Most of the 2013 fiscal budget was allotted to the public works sector, but progress has been slow and difficult. With little follow-up and no company accountability, projects were being funded with no results.  Governor Ocampos is working to curb this fiscal abuse by changing the policy to pay only upon project completion.

She said, “The first thing I did was to get together with the construction companies and made it clear that we are not going to pay anything for unfinished work. They thought it was a joke, until they realized their checks were not going to be issued until they finish the bridges.” According to Ocampos, this small change has proven to be significant. “Now the bridges have started to appear.”

Ocampos is working in partnership with the citizens of Alto Paraguay to build a culture of ethics, innovation and ownership.  By involving the local communities in managing development projects, Governor Ocampos believes that public funds will be used in a way that best serve her constituency. “If they take on the projects as their own, they will control them and the money is destined for better use,” she says. She also believes that by involving the local communities, employment opportunities will increase and accountability and social responsibility

Alto Paraguay has a rich biodiversity ranging from the Pantanal to the Chaco. (Photo courtesy of ABC Color)

Although infrastructure isn’t the only problem for Alto Paraguay, it is believed to be a crucial starting point for development. Transportation and information infrastructure will create connections with the rest of Paraguay. The asphalted path of Carmelo Peralta-Loma Plata is an opportunity for Alto Paraguay and is a project that has called the attention of the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC).

This type of development will enable Alto Paraguay to grow economically and strengthened its social fabric.  With the proper tools, Alto Paraguay hopes to overcome its legacy where a small privileged class wielded and maintain most of the power. Access to information and opportunities will allow for better informed and more responsible decisions that will improve the government, economy, and environment.

While there is still much progress to be made and many issues to be addressed, Marlene Ocampos is committed to developing a brighter future for Alto Paraguay.  As a female leader, she brings a unique perspective and approach to her term in office. Ocampos  is openly critical of the culture of corruption that has been detrimental to the people of the region.  After her first 4 months in office she said, “Corruption is the root of all our ills.”

Cooperation is key in Gov. Marlene Ocampos’ efforts to bring about sustainable development and cultural transformation.  While an asphalted path can change the history of Alto Paraguay, the asphalt is not enough to change the habits in the politics class.

What drives Ocampos in her day-to-day efforts is her connection to her fellow citizens.  She has made a covenant with her family of Alto Paraguay. She said,”I have a pledge with the community, I live here. And I won’t fail. Maybe I lack experience, but I have plenty of honesty. We are working hard now seeking to achieve our goals.”

New policies enforcing fiscal responsibility and community involvement is securing infrastructure in Alto Paraguay.

Seeking to achieve goals

Since her time in office, roads and other basic infrastructure have materialized. More importantly relationships of trust and cooperation are being established within Alto Paraguay and with the rest of Paraguay.

The road ahead remains long and challenging, but with a committed and honest leader, the future for Alto Paraguay looks promising to say the least.

This article originally appeared on www.globalpeace.org

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President Otto Perez Molina, of Guatemala greets members of the Latin American Presidential Mission.

On September 11, the 4^th Esquipulas Regional Forum was hosted in Guatemala City. The forum entitled, “The Central American Dream: A Reality in Construction” was an in-depth discussion of challenges facing Central America.

The Esquipulas Foundation together with the Latin American Presidential Mission were the primary organizers. Co-conveners included the Ministry of International Relations and the Presidential Office of Guatemala, local and regional businesses, and NGOs including the Global Peace Foundation, Guatemalan Red Cross, think-tank IDPPS, and the National Leadership Conference of Uruguay.

Ms. Olinda Salguero, Director of Esquipulas Foundation, said of the forum, “This space is to promote the development of the region, democracy, peace and integration.” Nine former heads of state of the Latin American Presidential Mission, participated in the forum along with many other experts from fields such as human rights, education, and business.

The regional representative of the Global Peace Foundation for Latin America, Mr. Thomas Field, introduced the former presidents at the plenary entitled, “Strengthening Democracy and Integration for Latin American Development”, while the former president of Guatemala and founder of the Esquipulas Foundation, Dr. Vinicio Cerezo, called on forum participants to consider paths to move the process for integration of Central American forward. . “The models of development since 1994 have not resolved many of the issues that remain after the peace process, such as social problems and the equal inclusion of the people in the country’s wealth and welfare,” he said.

Top to bottom: Members of the Latin American Presidential Mission present at the 4th Esquipulas Regional Forum, former presidents: Carlos Mesa of Bolivia, Ernesto Semper of Colombia, Dr. Antonio Saca, of El Salvador, Vinicio Cerezo of Guatemala, Nicolás Ardito Barletta of Panama, Gustavo Noboa of Ecuador, and Alvaro Colom of Guatemala, Global Peace Foundation regional representative of Latin America introduces former presidents, Olinda Salguero, Director of the Esquipulas Foundation

The forum featured six panels addressing a wide-range of issues related to Central American development.

• Panel one addressed how to protect and raise youth to become active participants in nation-building. It also addressed issues of gender based violence, a major hindrance to development.
• The second and fifth panel discussed development opportunities through science, technology and a green economy. Panelists urged cross-sector cooperation, and innovation driven by a common regional vision.
• The third panel, entitled, “Peace, Democracy and Integration for Development” examined the progress that has been made in Central America since the Esquipulas Agreements I and II. While the region has seen a relative period of peace and democracy, there are still outstanding issues like impending conflicts and unequal access to development opportunities. Panelists took a closer look at how to forge ahead using assets like its geographical location and increased regional integration.
• The fourth panel took on a hot topic in Central America: justice and regional security in light of the ongoing battle against drugs. Dubbed the “North-Triangle” of Central America, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras have seen increasing drug activity. Drug activity has migrated there to avoid international surveillance in Mexico, Colombia and the Caribbean. The drug trade has had major adverse effects, from compromising rule of law, to affecting youth culture, and increased local violence. The panel examined concrete alternative to fighting the drug war.
• The sixth panel reframed the geopolitics of the region. Panelists recognized that improved transportation and communication technology has made the world a “global village. Recognizing the changing landscape allows for new opportunities for business and trade, regional cooperation and democratic participation.

The Latin American Presidential Mission (LAPM) continues to grow and expand since its launching at the 2012 Global Peace Convention in Atlanta. Each former president brings their particular experience and wisdom to the table. Staying true to its founding commitment, the LAPM focuses on the underlying universal principles and values when discussing hot topics concerning the American Hemisphere.

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Asuncion, Paraguay is a fitting venue for the international conference on “Governance, Ethics and Development” convened by the Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Sonada (IDPPS), a Paraguay-based think-tank that has advised and initiated numerous projects to promote good governance.

Dr. Moon visited the town of Maria Auxilidora during a cattle drive for peace with young Paraguayan leaders. It was an unforgettable meal that melted social divides.

Over the past year, the international community anxiously watched as Paraguay seemed to struggle to transition from its former presidency. However, in April, Paraguay held peaceful and transparent elections, proving itself a legitimate democratic government.

For Dr. Moon, Paraguay has always had the potential to be the metaphoric “womb” of a rebirth of Latin America. His fondest and most profound memories are with the Paraguayan people. Particularly his encounter of the people in the town of Maria Auxilidora during the cattle drive for peace which he organized across the Chaco region of Paraguay. “I saw the potential greatness of the Paraguayan people and the possible future of this nation if it was encouraged to dream big.”

With this backdrop, the conference will convene former heads of states from Central and South America as well as international political, media and business leaders to deliberate on the importance of ethics in developing good governance for political and social stability, as well as social integration and social development. Select session will focus on the role of responsible business, particularly trade and investment for sustainable development.

The conference opens on the evening of June 10^th and will conclude on June 11^th.

The original post appear on www.globalpeace.org.

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Instituto de Desarrollo  del Pensamiento Patria Soñada (IDPPS) is an initiative of Global Peace Foundation –Paraguay. It is a think tank that brings together heads of state, academics, social scientists and civil society to consider the pressing issue of the day and generate innovative solutions guided by principles and values.

IDPPS was central in issuing the Asunción Declaration. Current and former heads of state from around the Americas committed to good-governance and sustainable development.Through its ongoing programs and initiatives, IDPPS has set the bar for of the moral and ethical standards of national leaders.

Below is IDPPS’s translated vision and  mission statement.

Vision

To be the architects who establish the future society of Paraguay founded upon universally relevant ethical and moral principles and values: a society transformed in its socio-political structure that promotes sustainable development.

Mission

To make Paraguay an exemplary nation by contributing to Paraguay’s development.  To this end, this association of free, responsible individuals committed to the supreme values proclaimed in the Preamble of our National Constitution, challenges to become a forum and occasion for dialog, analysis and incubation of innovative and motivating ideas of change and orientation for decisions that affect the state of our nation. To make significant contributions to forming a great nation build upon healthy families; a thriving civil society characterized by its good government and an educational system with high levels of civic and social excellence.

 History

IDPPS is a non-profit association that brings together intellectuals and thinkers from multiple disciplines who are committed to research and analysis, identifying obstacles in different fields  that are impeding national development, and providing evidence-based, practical solutions grounded in universal principles and values such as human dignity, freedom, equality, justice, love and solidarity. To make solutions and proposals available to the general public and leaders of public policy, particularly leaders who are responsible for developing new policies that will secure the Dream of our homeland.

 Click here for the IDPPS website (in Spanish).

Original post first appeared on Global Peace Foundation.

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