“Diversity in reflection; unity in action. These, dear friends, must be our greatest strength and the joint effort that must guide our community.” Such was the statement by Luis Guillermo Solis, President of the Republic of Costa Rica, during the opening ceremony of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), one of the most powerful blocs in the Americas.

 

Although the III CELAC Summit has been going on since January 24^th, it culminates in the next couple of days with meetings involving the various Heads of State of the Latin America and Caribbean regions. Two of the most important days of the Summit are Wednesday and Thursday of this week, when the Specific Declarations and Plans of Action will be presented.

 

Of special note in President Solis’ statement was the fact that he delivered portions in Maleku and Bribri, two indigenous languages of Costa Rica, as well as in English, French and Portuguese, the three major CELAC languages aside from Spanish. Dutch, which is the official language of CELAC member nation Suriname, was absent from President Solis’ speech (perhaps next time!).

 

The news video segment below was produced and shared by TeleSUR of Venezuela, and it features English subtitles: