President & CEO Column
The second quarter of 2026 has underscored both the extraordinary resilience of the Americas and the profound challenges confronting our hemisphere. Across Latin America, citizens continue to reshape the region’s political landscape through democratic elections and peaceful transfers of power. During the past several months, Chile inaugurated President José Antonio Kast following a closely watched election, while Colombia, Peru, and Costa Rica also elected new presidents who now face the difficult task of translating campaign promises into effective governance. Boliva’s new President, Rodrigo Paz, faces similar challenges as he works implement an ambitious economic reform agenda intended to restore investor confidence, stabilize public finances, diversify the country’s economy, and create new opportunities for private sector investment. Together, these transitions reflect a broader regional moment in which governments must respond simultaneously to slower economic growth, fiscal constraints, public security concerns, energy transition, and rapidly evolving technological change.
These political transitions are occurring against the backdrop of another consequential development for the hemisphere. As this edition of Enlace goes to press, the United States has announced that it will not extend the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) under the treaty’s initial six-year review, instead initiating the agreement’s formal review process. While this decision does not terminate the agreement, it begins a period of annual reviews through 2036 unless the three countries ultimately agree on an extension or a modernized framework. The coming negotiations will have significant implications for investment decisions, integrated supply chains, manufacturing competitiveness, energy security, agriculture, and the future of North American economic cooperation.
While uncertainty looms over the future of the USMCA, millions of people across the hemisphere are united by another event that transcends politics and borders—the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The tournament has become a remarkable celebration of the diversity, passion, and talent that define the Americas. It has been especially gratifying to see so many nations from our hemisphere advance to the knockout rounds, including the host countries of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, together with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Paraguay. While these teams will soon compete fiercely on the pitch, they also remind us of the enduring ties that bind our hemisphere through sport, culture, and people-to-people connections. On behalf of everyone at the Institute of the Americas, we extend our best wishes to all of the teams representing the Americas for success in the exciting weeks ahead. May the tournament continue to showcase not only athletic excellence, but also the spirit of friendship and mutual respect that unites our region.
Beyond the excitement of the World Cup, our hemisphere has also been reminded of the importance of solidarity in moments of crisis. The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24th have produced an immense humanitarian tragedy, with significant loss of life, widespread displacement, and extensive damage to critical infrastructure. In response, CAF — Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean has established a Fund for the Recovery and Reconstruction of Venezuela to channel public, private, and international contributions quickly, transparently, and in coordination with national priorities. The Fund is designed to support immediate humanitarian needs, rehabilitation of essential services, and longer-term recovery and resilience, with CAF providing fiduciary oversight, traceability of allocations, periodic reporting, and independent audit. CAF has also committed a USD $1 million seed contribution and will charge 0% administration fee for fiduciary administration and implementation of the resources. We also encourage those wishing to support disaster relief efforts in Venezuela to join forces with CAF or consider supporting the other respected humanitarian organizations responding to this tragedy, including Team Rubicon, the International Rescue Committee, and Catholic Relief Services. Together, we can help bring hope, relief, and recovery to the people of Venezuela during this difficult time.
While on-going geopolitical uncertainty, democratic transitions, natural disasters, and global economic change continue to test our region, they also reinforce the importance of institutions dedicated to dialogue, evidence-based policy, and cross-border collaboration. During the past quarter, the Institute has remained exceptionally active across each of our three strategic program areas.
IOA’s Energy Program began the quarter by convening the 2026 Madrid Energy Conference (April 27–29), bringing together senior policymakers, industry executives, and energy experts from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss energy security, critical minerals, decarbonization, and investment opportunities. Particularly noteworthy was a timely special session examining Venezuela’s energy future and the conditions necessary to restore international investment in the country’s hydrocarbon sector should political and regulatory circumstances evolve. Building upon this momentum, the Institute partnered with leading stakeholders in Mexico City for our Mexico Data Centers & Energy Forum on May 14, exploring one of North America’s fastest-growing infrastructure challenges: how to meet the rapidly expanding electricity demands associated with artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure while maintaining reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy systems.
Our Environment Program also achieved several important milestones. On May 21, the Institute convened the Binational Water Reuse Forum in Tecate, Baja California, bringing together leaders from Mexico and the United States to examine how water reuse can strengthen long-term water security throughout the border region. The forum coincided with the release of two significant Institute publications: a comprehensive assessment of applicable water reuse technologies for Mexico and a proposed regulatory roadmap designed to accelerate the adoption of safe and sustainable water reuse policies in both Mexico and the State of Baja California. Continuing this work, the Institute organized a cross-border water reuse learning exchange on June 23 that enabled senior municipal and state officials from Baja California to visit Pure Water Oceanside, providing participants with firsthand insights into one of California’s most innovative indirect potable reuse projects. These initiatives demonstrate how practical technical cooperation can help communities build greater resilience in the face of increasing water scarcity.
Within our Economic Competitiveness Program, the Argentina Critical Minerals Forum held in Buenos Aires on April 14 convened government leaders, investors, mining companies, and technology experts to explore how Argentina and the broader Americas can responsibly develop the critical minerals needed to support the global energy transition. Discussions focused on strengthening regional supply chains, promoting sustainable mining practices, attracting investment, and enhancing North American competitiveness in strategically important minerals.
The Institute’s impact ultimately depends upon the strength of the people who guide our mission. We are therefore delighted to welcome two distinguished leaders to our Board of Directors. Shane Christensen, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at PriceSmart, Inc., brings extensive experience in international business, public policy, and regional economic integration throughout the Americas. We are equally honored to welcome Luis Guillermo Plata, former Ambassador of Colombia to Spain and former Colombian Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, whose distinguished public service and international perspective will further strengthen the Institute’s work across the hemisphere. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue expanding our programs and partnerships.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, the Institute looks forward to our forthcoming forum in Santiago on July 9th being co-organized by the World Energy Council Chile entitled Los primeros cien días de Presidente Kast: avances & desafios en energía as well as our 35th La Jolla Energy Conference scheduled for October 13-15.
Whether supporting expanded energy security cooperation, the continuity of North American economic integration, advancing water resilience along the U.S.–Mexico border, or fostering responsible development of critical minerals, the Institute remains committed to helping leaders anticipate change rather than simply react to it. In an era of increasing uncertainty, our greatest contribution is creating the trusted space where new ideas, enduring partnerships, and practical solutions can emerge.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support of the Institute’s mission. We look forward to working with many of you during the months ahead as we continue building stronger partnerships throughout the Americas.
Sincerely,
Richard Kiy
President & CEO
Institute of the Americas