(Feb. 17, 2015) —U.S. ties with Latin America have never been more critical. The U.S. now recognizes the region as one of its fastest-growing trade partners, a key ally in developing alternative fuels, as well as its largest source of immigrants—both documented and undocumented—and illegal drugs. Furthermore, as Latin America’s global impact steadily increases, the United State’s dominant influence in the region is waning. Latin American countries have not only grown more independent but are also forging closer ties with other global powers including China and India.
In recognition of this complex and changing landscape, the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah will present the 17th Annual Rocco C. and Marion S. Siciliano Forum, Considerations on the Status of the American Society. This year’s theme is “The Future of U.S.-Latin American Relations.”
The 10 day conference, which starts on Feb.23, will consist of 16 events including art exhibits and a documentary screening. The events are free and open to the public.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
9:45 AM FORUM
“Marching to a Unified Future: Latinos in Utah and the Nation”
Armando Solorzano, University of Utah Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies
Hinckley Caucus Room, Orson Spencer Hall, 255
12:00 PM KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Arturo Valenzuela, former U.S. Asst. Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere and former NSC Special Assistant to the President for Latin Affairs
Marriott Library, Gould Auditorium
1:00 PM ART EXHIBIT RECEPTION
“Mexico at the Hour of Combat: Photographs of the Mexican Revolution by Sabino Osuna” Presented by Jim and Lyn Hinckley
Marriot Library, 5th floor
2:00 PM RARE BOOKS DIVISION OPEN HOUSE
The Rare Books Division at the University of Utah Marriott Library presents a hands-on display of first editions, printed between 1552 and 2001, of Latin American literature.
Marriott Library, 4th floor
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
9:30 AM FORUM
“The Future of Utah – Latin American Economic Development”
Val Hale, Executive Director, GOED
Hinckley Caucus Room, Orson Spencer Hall 255
12:30 PM FORUM
“Education, Leadership, and Success: Carlos Martins, the English Teacher who Graduated more than 100 Millionaire in Brazil”
Carlos Martins
Hinckley Caucus Room, Orson Spencer Hall 255
2:00 PM FORUM
“Challenges and Opportunities in the Mexican Energy Market”
Gustavo Almarez, Executive Director, Grupo Estrategia Politica (Mexico’s top lobbying firm)
Hinckley Caucus Room, Orson Spencer Hall 255
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
9:30 AM FORUM
“The Post Hemispheric Americas: Beyond Bridges and Borders in the 21st Century.”
Evan Ward, Visiting Fellow, The Wheatley Institute, BYU
Hinckley Caucus Room, Orson Spencer Hall 255
12:30 PM FORUM
Peter Schecter, Atlantic Council, Director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin American Center
Hinckley Caucus Room, Orson Spencer Hall 255
7:00 PM SCREENING
Screening of celebrated film Underwater Dreams and discussion with featured immigrant entrepreneur Oscar Vasquez
The Tower Theatre
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
10:45 AM FORUM
“How Green Gold Will Save the Amazon”
Mark Neeleman, Chairman and Founder of Bamazon Technologies
Hinckley Caucus Room, Orson Spencer Hall 255
3:00 PM FORUM
“Indocumentado: Immigration and Youth in Crisis”
Panel Discussion in partnership with the Bennion Center
Hinckley Caucus Room, Orson Spencer Hall 255
MONDAY, MARCH 2
10:30 AM FORUM
“Hispanic Business: What the Fastest Growing Segment of American Enterprise Means for the U.S.”
Javier Palomarez, President & CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Hinckley Caucus Room, Orson Spencer Hall, 255
12:30 PM FORUM
“The Future of U.S. – Mexican Relations”
Estivill Castro, Acting Mexican Ambassador to the United States
Hinckley Caucus Room, Orson Spencer Hall 255
To learn about partner events in Utah, please click here for more on the Utah Fine Arts Museum’s “Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art” exhibition from the Smithsonian. Jane’s Home will also host an event presented by Artes de Mexico on February 11. For more information on Jane’s Home, click here.