IX CELAC Summit Honduras 2025: Building on the Legacy of Integration in Latin America
By: Alvaro Hopkins
The IX Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), held in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, brought together leaders from all 33 member countries to discuss and make key decisions on the challenges facing the region. Host President Xiomara Castro emphasized the need for unity to address global issues such as climate change, migration, and economic crises, which disproportionately affect developing nations.
A central focus was the handover of the pro tempore presidency to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who assumed leadership with a speech centered on strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Latin American nations. Petro highlighted the importance of jointly confronting external pressures, such as tariffs imposed by the U.S., while seeking solutions that benefit all countries in the region.
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The summit also addressed initiatives to deepen economic and political integration, promoting fair and sustainable trade agreements. In this context, proposals were discussed to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, acknowledging the need to mitigate climate change while ensuring equitable access to these technologies.
A standout topic was technological inclusion as a driver of development, particularly for less-resourced nations. Leaders agreed that access to technology not only boosts local economies but also strengthens education, innovation, and connectivity in remote communities.
