NSU Horizons Spring 2016

30 NSU HORIZONS Q What are your top goals for your administration? A Regarding the governmental agenda, we are focusing on projects and policies that help bridge our social gaps and ensure a better distribution of wealth, so we can reach prosperity with equity. Among the programs are the urban renewal of Colón City, with the construction of 5,000 homes with drinking water, roads, street lighting, restoration of historic buildings, and wastewater treatment. We are implementing the 100/Zero Program, to supply drinking water to the entire country and the Roofs of Hope project, which aims to improve the quality of some 300,000 homes. We are also creating the necessary incentives to promote the construction of 125,000 homes in partnership with the private sector. In my role as minister of foreign affairs, we are focusing on executing foreign policy to promote sustainable and inclusive development. We are revitalizing and reasserting our role as a country of dialogue, which promotes mutual understand- ing and bridges differences. We feel very proud of our leadership role on these topics. We are also going through an interesting process of modernizing Panama’s diplomacy and developing our human talent. We have just completed a historic reform of the diplomatic and consular career, so we can strengthen it in quantity and diversity of disciplines to enhance our foreign policy execution. Q As the first female vice president of Panama, what do you want the history books to say about you? A You could say that my flagship projects are mainly related to strengthening our institutions and our democracy, and setting the example as a government based on transparency, and for this to last in the way public administration works within our country. Gender equality is also at the top of my agenda. We have made significant improvements but still have a lot to do to incorp- orate women into the political and economic sectors at the decision-making level, and in the effort to reduce violence against women. Having majored in international relations, I also have to say that it is important for me to profes- sionalize our foreign diplomacy. It is crucial that Panama plays a leading role in the international arena, as we have also started to do. Q Do you feel pressure to be a role model to the girls and women in your country? A Undoubtedly, it is a great responsibility, but I hope that my work and values can demonstrate that women and girls can achieve great things and give a meaningful contribution in their multiple roles as workers, wives, and mothers. Q You were the prime orchestrator of the Summit of the Americas held in April 2015. What do you see as the top accomplishments of the summit? A I am very satisfied and proud of Panama’s achievement in hosting the VII Summit of the Americas. We proved to the world that we are a country of friendly and hospitable people, which embraces diversity and political plurality. Panama also received accolades for its logistical capabilities, successfully receiving thousands of visitors. We were the center and facilitator of a frank and open dialogue that did not seek a unani- mous consensus. Rather, we helped to lay bridges between diverse positions and focus on what unites the region rather than what divides it. “I hope that my work and values can demonstrate that women and girls can achieve great things.”