Pan-American Congress convenes in Montevideo to discuss regional sovereignty

The third Pan-American Congress is convening in Montevideo, Uruguay, bringing together over 100 progressive leaders, including legislators, former presidents, and ministers from 15 countries. The forum aims to establish an alternative vision to the United States' Monroe Doctrine, focusing on cooperation, sovereign equality, and mutual understanding.

Participants are addressing several critical regional challenges, including the weakening of the international order, forced migration, organized crime, and the rising cost of living. The congress is organized around four thematic pillars: peace, security, and multilateralism; sustainable economic development and regional integration; digital sovereignty and artificial intelligence; and social welfare.

During the discussions, U.S. representative Jesús Chuy García criticized the historical impact of U.S. policy in Latin America, while Brazilian Senator Humberto Costa raised concerns regarding potential interference in Brazilian elections and high tariffs on regional products. The event, which includes closed-door sessions for frank debate, seeks to foster solidarity among nations and address recent electoral setbacks for progressive movements in the region.