Fact Sheet
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
Washington, DC
October 26, 2005
What is the Summit of the Americas?
The Summit of the Americas brings together the Western Hemisphere's 34 democratically elected leaders to address common political, economic, and social challenges. Beginning with the first Summit, held in Miami in 1994, these events have advanced a shared, multilateral agenda for improving democracy, human rights, and free markets in the region. The Inter-American Democratic Charter is a fruit of this process.
The Upcoming Summit
The Fourth Summit of the Americas takes place in Mar del Plata, Argentina from November 4-5, 2005. Its theme, chosen by the Argentine government as host, is "Creating Jobs to Fight Poverty and Strengthen Democratic Governance." Summits are held every 2 to 3 years.
Summit Process
Summits generate concrete, measurable commitments by the region's governments. For example, the 2004 Special Summit set a goal of treating 600,000 people living with HIV/AIDS with anti-retroviral drugs by November 2005. Helped by $237 million from the U.S., this goal will be met and exceeded, with 640,000 already receiving treatment. Creating, implementing, and following up on Summit mandates involves an array of activities that extend well beyond the actual Summit event. Ministerial meetings, civil society forums, and diplomatic negotiations all play vital roles.
- Government Ministries such as Education, Labor, Health, and Agriculture are holding meetings of their highest officials this year. These ministerial meetings use their particular expertise to guide the Summit. The Education Ministerial, for example, took place in Port of Spain, Tobago August 10-12, 2005, to discuss ways to improve education quality, equity, and efficiency--all vital elements for job creation.
- Civil Society Organizations (CSO's) are a growing part of the Summit process. For example, 40 CSO representatives from the Caribbean met in Bridgetown, Barbados July 21-22, 2005, to make Summit recommendations. Hundreds of CSO’s from throughout the Hemisphere are taking part in other Summit-related activities.
- The Organization of American States (OAS) coordinates the sessions where diplomats negotiate the Summit's Declaration and Plan of Action. The OAS Summit Secretariat also monitors fulfillment of mandates from previous Summits.
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