Washington D.C./Guatemala City, March 19th, 2024 — The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) has successfully wrapped up an extensive trip to Guatemala, reinforcing its commitment to community development and the fight against human trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean. Executive Director Katie Taylor kicked off the visit with an appearance on Guatemala City’s leading morning show, “Hechos” on TV Azteca, and proceeded with a pivotal roundtable hosted by CentraRSE. The discussions were geared toward integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) into Guatemala’s development narrative, further strengthening PADF’s role in promoting blended finance models in international cooperation.
A key part of PADF’s visit involved strategic talks with Guatemala’s Foreign Minister, Chancellor Carlos Ramiro Martínez. These discussions centered on enhancing the response of consular networks to trafficking in persons, demonstrating PADF’s resolve to address this critical human rights issue. With Vice President Karin Herrera, who oversees the Secretariat against Sexual Violence, Exploitation, and Trafficking in Persons (SVET), PADF reaffirmed its partnership, pledging continued support to SVET’s vital work within Guatemala.
The annual Board of Trustees meeting in Antigua offered a platform to review and celebrate the organization’s stability and growth, with President Alexandra Aguirre praising the team’s dedication. High-level meetings continued throughout the week, with conversations that included Patrick Ventrell, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, and PADF’s Thematic Director of Peace, Justice, and Security, Roberto Obando, who discussed potential collaborative projects addressing law enforcement and narcotics.
The board’s time in Antigua also allowed for an immersion in PADF’s direct impact on the ground. The project fair was a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of community members who showcased their entrepreneurship, a vibrant reflection of the foundation’s work.
The journey concluded with a cocktail reception in Guatemala City, where Executive Director Katie Taylor shared heartfelt achievements: “Much of what we do at the Foundation, at PADF, is to promote sustainable and dignified livelihoods, with access to health, nutrition, justice, and rights. That’s what we’re doing in Guatemala. And across Latin America and the Caribbean. I am proud to share that this past year we managed to touch the lives of NEARLY ONE MILLION PEOPLE. But we didn’t stop there. Our reach has extended far beyond, indirectly impacting over 10 million people across the hemisphere.”
Echoing the sentiments of progress and empowerment, Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Nestor Mendez, recognized PADF’s longstanding experience in fostering genuine progress by elevating community voices.
PADF’s recent mission in Guatemala has not only strengthened existing collaborations but also created pathways for new ventures, confirming the organization’s essential role in driving sustainable development and empowering communities across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Katie Taylor
Executive Director
Email: connect@padf.org
