World Economic Forum on Latin America
Building a Stronger Latin America in the Global Economy São Paulo, Brazil 5-6 April 2006 Outcomes: Post-summit report São Paulo ends with focus on education and infrastructure Lula calls for Latin America to seize the moment Latin America poised to lead global development of biofuels Business tackles inequality in Latin America Upbeat message given on the future for Latin America How to turn the challenge of China into opportunity Managing global and regional risks
Thursday 6 April
Lula calls for Latin America to seize the moment—Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, outlined an optimistic scenario for Brazil and Latin America and called for the countries of the region to seize the moment. “The problem with South America is that we have looked to the United States and Europe and admired their wealth, and we have looked to China and admired its growth, but we haven’t thought about what we should be doing ourselves,” he said. Session summary
Latin America poised to lead global development of biofuels—Latin America is well positioned to become a global leader in biofuels and renewable energy, and the United States and other countries are keen to explore partnerships in the region to develop them.Luiz Fernando Furlan, Minister of Development, Industry and Trade of Brazil, said that there are at least 50 examples of new investments in sugarcane for biofuel currently being implemented in Brazil. “There may also be possibilities for joint ventures,” he said.Press release I Summary
Business tackles inequality in Latin America—The road to effective social progress will probably involve less philanthropy and more action, said participants in this session. Private business must be interested in share value but also in "shared values" as part of their social responsibility obligations. "Business can no longer survive in a failed society," said Ivan Zurita, Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé Brasil. "I don't believe in the future of food companies if we don't eliminate poverty," he said.Summaries
Wednesday 5 April
Co-Chairs Jorge Gerdau Johannpeter, President and Chief Executive Officer, Gerdau, Brazil Luis A. Moreno, President, Inter-American Development Bank, Washington DC For more information, please contact LatinAmerica@weforum.org www.weforum.org/latinamerica
São Paulo ends with focus on education and infrastructure—At the closing session of the World Economic Forum on Latin America, Jorge Gerdau Johannpeter, President and Chief Executive Officer, Gerdau, Brazil, concluded that, “education is the most important investment that we can make.” After reviewing a list of ‘Priorities for Action’ in the region, participants agreed with him that education should be the main focus over the next year. 
Lula calls for Latin America to seize the moment—Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, outlined an optimistic scenario for Brazil and Latin America and called for the countries of the region to seize the moment. “The problem with South America is that we have looked to the United States and Europe and admired their wealth, and we have looked to China and admired its growth, but we haven’t thought about what we should be doing ourselves,” he said.
Latin America poised to lead global development of biofuels—Latin America is well positioned to become a global leader in biofuels and renewable energy, and the United States and other countries are keen to explore partnerships in the region to develop them.
Business tackles inequality in Latin America—The road to effective social progress will probably involve less philanthropy and more action, said participants in this session. Private business must be interested in share value but also in "shared values" as part of their social responsibility obligations. "Business can no longer survive in a failed society," said Ivan Zurita, Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé Brasil. "I don't believe in the future of food companies if we don't eliminate poverty," he said.
Upbeat message given on the future for Latin America—World Economic Forum participants heard a message of optimism for the future of Latin America, with many countries today said to be in a vastly stronger economic situation than at the start of the 90s, and democracy itself no longer in question. However, to maintain its advantages and to maximize its potential, the region must pay close attention to the quality of government. 
How to turn the challenge of China into opportunity— Business leaders and analysts at the World Economic Forum on Latin America agreed that China is both a challenge and opportunity for Latin America. 
