For 29 years, the Institute of the Americas has promoted dialogue and cooperation in the Western Hemisphere designed to foster sound public policies, economic development and social justice.
This leadership role has drawn 11 Latin American presidents to the Institute over the past two decades.Led by Charles S. Shapiro, a former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, the Institute brings together industry leaders, government officials and representatives of academia and civil society for frank and open discussions.
As an impartial and independent non-profit organization, the Institute hosts roundtables, conferences and professional training sessions at its complex on the University of California, San Diego, campus and in cities throughout Latin America. Its location 30 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border makes it the premier institution for cultural and business exchange on the West Coast as well as a strategic point of entry to Latin America.
Internationally known for its Energy Program, the Institute has played an important role in promoting energy policies in Latin America that serve the interests of the population while encouraging private investment in this critical area of the economy.
The Community Outreach program is a community project of the Institute, which encourages networking and the strengthening of cross-border ties between government, business and community leaders in the San Diego-Tijuana region.
The Institute also organizes professional workshops for journalists and other Latin Americans who travel to San Diego to study and debate issues as varied as poverty, immigration, science and technology, public health and community security.
Recognizing the growing importance of China in world affairs, the Institute began a program in 2008 that serves as a bridge for policy interchange among China, the United States and Latin America.
These are some of the questions that we are frequently asked about the Institute of the Americas:
What is the Institute of the Americas?
The Institute is an independent, inter-American organization that promotes cooperation between the public and private sectors to improve the economic, political and social well-being of people in the Western Hemisphere.
When was the Institute founded?
In 1983, the Institute was founded by Theodore E. Gildred in collaboration with Richard Atkinson, who was then chancellor of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and who later served as president of the University of California. Gildred, a San Diego land developer and former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, established the framework and the vision for the Institute that is still in place today.
Who heads the Institute?
Charles S. Shapiro, former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela, is the Institute’s president. He is guided and supported by a distinguished Board of Directors whose members are business and academic leaders from throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Is the Institute a non-profit organization?
Yes. The Institute is a 501(c)(3) corporation registered in the State of California.
Is the Institute part of a university system or the U.S. Government?
No. The Institute receives no funding from UCSD nor is it supported by the federal government. However, we work closely with universities and governments throughout the Western Hemisphere to encourage dialogue on public policies for economic development, trade and investment, good governance and regional integration.
What is the source of the Institute’s funding?
Much of our financial support comes from our Board of Directors, the Energy Program steering group and corporate members throughout the Americas. The Institute also receives funding from membership dues, conference and roundtable registrations, corporate sponsorships and donations.
How can I find out more about the Institute’s funding?
The Institute’s annual financial statements are available to the public. You can see an electronic version of the 2007 and 2006 statements by going to the Financial Statements page on this web site.
What is a Steering Group?
The Energy Program and the China-Latin America Program have a Steering Group comprised of representatives from companies operating in the Western Hemisphere. Steering Group members offer advice regarding our programs, conference and roundtable locations, event agendas and speakers.
What benefits will I receive if I join?
Our members network with important policymakers and business leaders from throughout the region to learn about political and economic trends as well as business opportunities in the region.
What are the Institute’s primary focus areas?
Energy, the evolving China-Latin America relationship, journalism training and professional workshops are at the core of our efforts, as well as our Cepas community program, which highlights the best of border life.
Does the Institute focus only on Latin America?
No. The Institute responds to the needs of members and collaborators who are looking for business opportunities, pursuing expansion into new markets and seeking project development partners in 36 countries in the Western Hemisphere.
How does the Institute differ from other organizations?
The Institute is focused on the Western Hemisphere as well as the growing economics relationship between China and Latin America. It is not an academic research organization, but an impartial and independent organization that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and academics for frank and open discussions about the challenges and opportunities in the Western Hemisphere.
What kinds of events does the Institute organize?
The Institute organizes high-level conferences between leaders of the public and private sectors to strengthen the political, economic and business development ties critical to improving the quality of life in countries throughout the Americas. Most of sessions are open to the public. We also offer professional workshops on subjects ranging from public health to digital reporting to science and technology.
Where is the Institute located?
The Institute is located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego. However, many of the Institute’s conferences and roundtables are held in countries throughout the region, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Peru, Mexico and Canada.
