Environmental Journalists on the Frontlines of Democracy

Wednesday, May 1 // 10–11:30 am (ET)

For the first time ever, the theme of World Press Freedom Day is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis." A healthy democracy depends on both a healthy ecosystem and a healthy news ecosystem. But environmental journalists are increasingly under attack around the world, as they seek to document the human and environmental effects of corruption and illegal exploitation of natural resources.

In advance of this year's World Press Freedom Day, the Wilson Center’s Environmental Change and Security Program, in partnership with the Society of Environmental Journalists, will celebrate the important role of environmental journalism and highlight the need to protect journalists around the world from surveillance, censorship, oppression, and violence.

STILL TO Come THIS Week

Report Launch | Crypto in Venezuela: Two Sides of a Coin

Monday, Apr. 29 // 11:00 am–12:00 pm (ET)

The report, Crypto in Venezuela: Two Sides of a Coin examines how cryptocurrencies, once dismissed as a digital curiosity, have evolved into a pillar of financial technology innovation. Co-authors Lopez and Doucette explore how this transition is not merely an economic shift but represents the beginning of a profound transformation in the pursuit of financial autonomy and security for the global south. The other side of the coin, however, is that cryptocurrencies also present another tool for bad actors to exploit, demonstrated by the Maduro regime's use of the technology as a new route for corruption or a method to circumvent sanctions.

Election Series | Discussing Mexico's Second Presidential Debate

Monday, Apr. 29 // 3–4:30 pm (ET)

Mexican Presidential Candidates will participate in the second debate of the 2024 election cycle on Sunday, April 28th. To discuss the proposals put forward by each candidate and their visions for Mexico, the Mexico Institute will host representatives from all three presidential campaigns, and feature analysis by leading pollster Jorge Buendía.

The Lithium Triangle: To Be or Not to Be Successful

Thursday, May 2 // 11:00 am–12:00 pm (ET)

In a new report, The Lithium Triangle: To Be or Not to Be Successful, the Wilson Center’s Latin America Program examines the region’s lithium industry, its role in regional economic development, and its importance to the global energy transition. Join us for a conversation with the report’s authors and the editor of our flagship report on Latin America’s lithium sector.

Mexico Election Series | The Future of USMCA

Friday, May 3 // 10–11:15 am (ET)

This event will begin by exploring how shifting US and Mexican foreign policy goals will impact the future of North America, and the tension Mexican administrations have faced between trying to avoid international involvement while also benefitting from nearshoring. We will then zoom out and discuss the 2026 review of USMCA and look at ways in which a North American identity could be strengthened.