CAF and Aspen Conexión Sign Partnership Agreement to Strengthen Knowledge Exchange and Foster Collaboration on Issues Impacting Latino Communities

 CAF—development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean—and Aspen Conexión, a policy program of the Aspen Institute, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a collaborative framework aimed at promoting joint initiatives on issues of mutual interest, with a particular focus on Latino communities in the United States and their connections to Latin America and the Caribbean.

The agreement was signed by Verónica Frisancho, CAF’s Knowledge Manager, Pilar Frank O’Leary, Executive Director of Aspen Conexión, and Elliot Gerson, Executive Vice President of Policy Programs and International Partners at the Aspen Institute. The signing was commemorated during the Festival “Voices for Our Region: Culture that Moves the World”, a side event of the International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean 2026. The Forum is organized by CAF in partnership with the Government of Panama and will run January 28-29 in Panama City.

Under this three-year agreement, both organizations will explore opportunities to collaborate in areas such as migration, creative economies, trade, urban development, digital transformation, and sports, among other topics affecting Latino communities and the economic and cultural ties between the United States, Latin America, Spain, and other global markets.

The collaboration may take various forms, including the exchange of information and knowledge, joint projects through grants and technical assistance, organization of events and capacity-building programs, development of networks with shared interests, and knowledge transfer to third parties.

“Partnering with The Aspen Conexión allows us to strengthen the dialogue between Latin America and the Caribbean and Latino communities in the United States, who represent a powerful force for economic growth and cultural exchange. This alliance reflects CAF’s vision of building bridges that connect our region with global opportunities,” said Sergio Díaz-Granados, CAF’s Executive President.

“By joining forces with a globally recognized institution and program dedicated to leadership and dialogue, we can generate knowledge and insights that address the most pressing challenges facing Latino communities across the Americas,” added Verónica Frisancho, CAF’s Knowledge Manager.

“This partnership with CAF reflects a shared commitment to building bridges across the Americas. By aligning our missions, we can elevate Latino communities as engines of cultural innovation, economic growth, and regional connection, turning dialogue into global impact,” said Pilar Frank-O’Leary, Executive Director, Aspen Conexión.

Aspen Conexión focuses on the global economic and cultural impact of Latino communities, seeking to catalyze a thriving and globally connected U.S. Hispanic community driving innovation and economic growth through connections to Latin America and Spain.

The Aspen Institute, founded in 1949, is a global institution that drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the greatest challenges of our time.

The International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean 2026 brought together business leaders, influential figures, and decision-makers to reflect on the region’s most urgent challenges and build solutions that promote growth, inclusion, and competitiveness. The event featured over 150 global leaders and experts, more than 50 sessions, panels, and keynote speeches, with representation from over 15 countries.