On April 17, the Perry Center launched its 2023 resident course program with two courses: “Strategic Implications of Human Rights and the Rule of Law” (HR/ROL) and “Countering Transnational Threat Networks” (CTTN). In total, 92 participants representing 16 partner nations were welcomed. US Ambassador to the Organization of American States Francisco O. Mora provided the keynote address, sharing his perspectives on human rights and hemispheric security. Ambassador Mora stated that “advancing effective implementation of the Inter-American Democratic Charter is critical for ensuring security and development efforts are rooted in accountability and transparency.” He called on governments and partners, including the Perry Center network, not to lose sight of that commitment. Perry Center Director, Dr. Paul Angelo, also emphasized the need to work together “to devise strategies and implement policies that address challenges while also deepening our commitment to and the experience of democracy.”

The 16 countries represented in the current courses are Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Spain.  Perry Center professors Celina Realuyo and Dr. Boris Saavedra are heading up the CTTN course, while Drs. Bill Godnick and Pat Paterson are leading the HR/ROL course.