Latin America Forum 2016

7 March 2016

The primary aim is to promote Latin America as a land of opportunity for multinational companies as well as small business enterprises. The secondary objective is to bring new light on Latin America as an area of research for students by introducing current issues and initiating dialogue. The forum will serve as a platform to bring people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise together.

The programme included:

• Rosalía Arteaga, Former President of Ecuador
• A panel discussion with Jeronimo Mohar, explaining the root of current violence in Mexico
• Carmelo Paviera on LatAm’s needs in terms of innovation and education

Please see contributions from attendees of the Forum below.

"The Latin America Forum was a great experience for people interested in pursuing a career in this region, the event had a range of great speakers in various topics of interests. The forum was fully organized by students that dedicate many hours of their time to make this event possible. I recommend future students get involved in these activities to obtain experience and meet interesting people during their studies in University of Edinburgh Business School."

"I personally found the event very exciting; my group was doing an international business project in Latin America- the insights and knowledge gained helped us a great deal! The forum also fostered a better appreciation for Latin America countries."

Very well organised event with knowledgeable speakers discussing about integration by overcoming difficult issues such as education, urban planning and corruption.

"...well-run and organized! I am still surprised at the quality of people that were speakers...it was impressive. Lastly, the tamales were amazing!"

"I highly appreciated the arrangement of mixing seminars, discussion time and lunch. We not only had the chance to learn from professionals, but we also got a closer look at Latin American style by tasting their food."

"Basically, I went this event with my teammates to establish contacts for a business project which relates to renew able energy in Latin America. We’ve some great conversations with attendees who are keen to know more about renewable energy idea from our assigned client. It’s also an honour to have a face to face chat with Ambassador of Colombia in UK."

Overall, our client and our team are happy with the outcomes from this event. We really appreciate the Business School for giving us the chance to attend this fabulous event.

"The morning session, where education was discussed from a regional perspective that allowed an overview that connected past, present and future needs from this field, explained how it could best serve economic development in Latin American countries."

"It was refreshing to have an expert and non-political voice presenting not only ideologies but concrete facts in a very critical stance towards the challenges of education in the region. I think it’s very useful to participate in conversations that connect across Latin American countries, particularly from Europe which presents this topic with a new lens due to a geographical and cultural distance.

PS: Choosing a Latin American menu for lunch was a huge success. Apart from the enjoyment of this wonderful food it gave room for interesting conversations that would start from comments on the food and finish as an effective networking activity."

Many thanks to the feedback contributors who recently attended the Latin America Forum in Edinburgh, supported by funding from the Business School's Santander initiative. Find out more about Santander funding under Opportunities on this website.