Security in Central America topic of Vecinos Lecture Series April 23 at Baker Institute

A panel of international experts will discuss the current outlook and prospects for improving security in Central America at the Vecinos Lecture Series at 6 p.m. April 23 at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Security experts will examine the critical connection between a secure Central America and a prosperous Western Hemisphere, the challenge of drug-related violence and transnational crime, and what policymakers and private sector leaders can do to promote safety and stability in the region.

Former Guatemalan Vice President Eduardo Stein will discuss current conditions and the importance of government leadership; Virginia Trujillo of the global utilities company AES El Salvador will explore how insecurity undermines economic growth and opportunities for public-private cooperation; and Thomas Ward of the University of Southern California will examine the role of transnational gangs. Christopher Sabatini of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas will moderate.

As part of the Baker Institute’s public outreach to the Houston community and beyond, the Latin America Initiative hosts the Vecinos (Neighbors) Lecture Series, a speaker series addressing a variety of important topics related to Latin America. World-renowned writer Carlos Fuentes formally launched the series at the Baker Institute in April 2008.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is available here, where the presentations will also be webcast.