A Conversation with Inter-American Development Bank President Ilan Goldfajn: The Role of the IDB in Economic Recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean

Thursday, Feb. 16 // 1–2:00 pm (ET)

Latin America and the Caribbean face immense challenges, following a decade of slow growth, climate change disruptions and the economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, global trends, such as the transition to renewable energy and regional integration, offer opportunities to address poverty and inequality and improve competitiveness. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), under its new leadership, could play a central role in helping the region build the skills, as well as sustainable physical and digital infrastructure it needs to navigate this complex period.

Under its new president, Ilan Goldfajn, elected in November 2022, the IDB is promoting an ambitious agenda to support the region’s needs.

To discuss the future of the IDB, the Wilson Center’s Latin American Program is pleased to announce a public, in-person discussion with Mr. Goldfajn. Prior to his IDB presidency, Mr. Goldfajn served as the director of the Western Hemisphere Department at the International Monetary Fund and before that, as president of Brazil’s Central Bank.

Still To Come This Week

Iraq And the United States: A Conversation with Iraq's Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussain

Monday, Feb. 13 // 10–11:00 am (ET)

To better understand the Iraqi perspective, the Wilson Center's Middle East Program is honored to host Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Iraq Fuad Hussain in conversation with Ambassador Jim Jeffrey, Chair of the Middle East Program and former Ambassador to Iraq.

The Politics of Detention and Exchange: Looking Back at the Brittney Griner Case

Tuesday, Feb. 14 // 11:00 am–12:00 pm (ET)

In this discussion, Kimberly St. Julian-Varnon and William E. Pomeranz will explore how the Griner case offers important insights into both U.S.-Russian relations and political and cultural trends within our own country.

Release of the US Arctic Research Commission 2023-2024 Goals Report

Wednesday, Feb. 15 // 1–4:45 pm (ET)

Join the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute and the US Arctic Research Commission for the public release of the commission’s new report. The event will include remarks from Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and senior officials from the White House, the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, State Department, and from commissioners and staff.

Leading for Change: Women in Iran and the Journey to Freedom

Thursday, Feb. 16 // 10–11:00 am (ET)

In conversation with MEP Director Merissa Khurma, Mahnaz Afkhami will address the history and background of the women’s uprising in Iran, as detailed in her new memoir The Other Side of Silence: A Memoir of Exile, Iran, and the Global Women’s Movement. Afkhami will discuss the most imminent challenges facing women today, and ways the international community can band together to support women and girls globally, but particularly in Iran where young girls and women are leading protests and calls for change.

The Implications of Russia's War on Ukraine: Identity, Politics, Governance

Thursday, Feb. 16 // 3–4:00 pm (ET)

The full-scale Russian invasion into Ukraine that began on February 24th, 2022 has had a profound impact on Ukraine and its people. Ukrainian national identity has crystallized and unified under the common threat of annihilation and genocide. Ukrainian society has been characterized by its resilience in the face of these major political developments, and although martial law was established, it has not been detrimental to Ukrainian democracy or political pluralism. In this conversation, Volodymyr Dubovyk will consider the immediate implications of the invasion on Ukrainian identity and governance.