Many Latin American and Caribbean countries have experienced the dismantling of democratic institutions and increased political polarization over the last decade. In 2010, CIPE’s programs in the region addressed key democratic challenges by working with partners to create and maintain successful policy dialogue with governments in Argentina, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Paraguay. CIPE efforts led to economic policy reform and public-private dialogue that enabled major changes in legislation and removed restrictions on property rights. CIPE has been working throughout Latin America with youth to help them understand the importance of democracy and a market economy, and to acquire the skills necessary for becoming successful leaders and entrepreneurs in their communities.

In 2011, CIPE will focus on strengthening and improving the private sector’s engagement in the democratic process, as well as improving the quality of policy debate in countries that are facing key elections in 2011 including Argentina, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Peru.

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Candidates, including current President Juan Manuel Santos (center), discuss economic issues at one of the three presidential debates in Barranquilla, Columbia.

CIPE worked with the Foundation for Higher Education and Development (Fedesarrollo) to press decision-makers to move beyond general discussions to actual platforms during the 2010 election period. Fedesarrollo, one of Colombia’s leading think tanks, organized three debates on key economic issues with presidential and vice-presidential candidates, providing an opportunity to present clear and detailed policy plans for their future administrations.

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Peru has enjoyed one of the highest economic growth rates in the region in recent years, but many citizens remain marginalized and unable to share in the benefits of that growth. Many constituents in regions outside the capital area feel excluded from the benefits of a growing economy. To encourage positive views of business, entrepreneurship, and democracy, CIPE partnered with Instituto Invertir to train students throughout the poorest regions of Peru – from the southern highlands to the northern Peruvian Amazon – in entrepreneurial and leadership skills through the EmprendeAhora youth program.

In 2010, EmprendeAhora program educated 130 rural entrepreneurs on leadership, business plans, market economics, and democracy. Many of these students have launched successful businesses based on plans developed during the course. The alumni network component is an innovative part of this program and encourages students to disseminate knowledge in their cities and neighborhoods through forums, presentations, and workshops after graduation.

The 2010 EmprendeAhora program accomplished the following:

Students in the EmprendeAhora entrepreneurship training program participate in a class exercise.

• In 2010, EmprendeAhora trained 130 entrepreneurs on leadership, business plans, market economics, and democracy. These students developed 40 new business plans for businesses in their local communities.
• Since the program’s inception in 2008, EmprendeAhora has produced 430 graduates who have launched 38 new viable businesses from plans developed during the program. Program graduates have completed more than 100 hours of training. Ten thousand high school, university, and technical school students have been trained by EmprendeAhora alumni. In addition to serving Peruvian communities, EmprendeAhora is encouraging participation in the democratic process.
• In 2010, more than 2,700 high school and university students acquired new skills by participating in 25 workshops organized by EmprendeAhora alumni in 23 cities all over the country.

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