Panama, 6 May 2026. The town of Washington is the headquarters of the Planning Meeting of the Authorities of the Inter-American Commission of Culture (CIC), a key meeting where Panama holds its office through the Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera.

The day coincided with the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI), an organization in which Panama had a historic role after hosting its first constitutional meeting in 1996.

During the CIDI Special Session held at the Organization of American States (OAS) Hall of the Americas, Minister Herrera participated as a leading speaker at the CIDI's "Voices and Legacy" commemorative panel. In this space, the incumbent of Culture emphasized the relevance of integral development as a tool for social cohesion and the transformation of lives, emphasizing that culture is an essential engine for the sustainable growth of the region.

The focus of work sessions in the U.S. capital focused on the review and agreement of the CIC's 2025-2028 Work Plan. That strategic document sets out regional priorities in key areas such as empowerment of the cultural sector, promotion of the creative economy and safeguard of cultural heritage.

The co-ordination of these policies aims at ensuring that the cultural actions of the Member States are inclusive and consistent with the realities of their communities.

The Panamanian delegation has been promoting the need for closer technical and political hemispheric cooperation. The work agenda includes the choice of the two co-presidencies of the CIC, authorities for the Commission's technical groups, and the validation of historic milestones that have marked the three decades of CIDI's operation, which are exhibited in a documentary photo sample at the headquarters of the OAS.

) The president of the CIC called on the member countries to maintain an active commitment to the implementation of this four-year plan, emphasizing that culture should be guaranteed as a right that strengthens the identity and dignity of the peoples of the Americas. The sessions conclude this Wednesday with the formal closure and establishment of the next steps for the final adoption of the continent's cultural Roadmap.