The Center for Democracy and Development in the Americas is a global non-profit educational organization, committed to provide a platform for new ideas and leaders to promote sustainable change in the region.

Over the last years Latin America has made substantial positive changes in the economic front, particularly driven by increased commodities prices, which accounted favorable results even in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. However, poverty and inequality are a regional drama. Therefore, although Democracy has made important progress in several places, the social conditions continue to incubate radical populism, excessive economic government intervention, political patronage, authoritarian rule and corruption. On the other hand, institutional weaknesses, particularly in the legislatures and judiciaries as guarantors of the rule of law, have contributed to the expansion of organized crime. The drug trafficking network, given the fact that the largest consumption of illegal drugs takes place in the neighbor to the north, bears the risk of a widespread and corrosive effect to the social fiber and institutions across the region, which already are witnessing raising levels of violence. For these reasons: poverty, inequality, political instability and lack of security; migration movements continue to be a pressing issue in the Americas, with a significant impact in the relation between the US and Latin America.

Based on the research by the OAS, PNUD, distinguished experts and members of the academia, our Fellows have come to the conclusion that action is needed in multiple fronts in order to resolve some urgent deficits in our democracies throughout the Americas. Our organization focuses in the following issues:

• Inequality and equal opportunity laws
• Education and Social Integration.
• Lack of institutional independence and balance of power between the branches of government.
• Enforcement of Human Rights.
• Security and safety of the citizens.
• Leadership