Panama November 19, 2025. Panama's Minister of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, participated in a virtual manner at the Tenth Inter-American Meeting of Ministers and Highest Cultural Authorities of the Organization of American States (OAS) held this November 2025.

During the meeting, focused on the theme "Creative economy as an engine for regional prosperity," she emphasized the strategic role of culture for development and social cohesion in the Americas.

The incumbent of Culture recalled that in 2026 there will be a 200-year celebration of the Anfictionic Congress of Panama, the first continental attempt at dialogue and cooperation promoted by Simón Bolívar. He emphasized that this date called for renewed commitment to unity among the nations of the Americas, especially with regard to challenges today such as migration, inequality and the protection of cultural heritage.

Herrera also alerted about the impact of climate change on the cultural properties of the continent, with reference to flooding, erosion and growing damage to historic monuments. He exemplified the situation with what happened recently at the Fort of San Jerónimo, at Portobelo, affected by heavy rains, and propose that the region conduct risk studies, preventive plans and support mechanisms to protect the endangered heritage.

Finally, she presented Panama's advances in creative economics since the creation of the Ministry of Culture in 2019, such as the Toolbox of Creative Economics, the Cultural Development Certificate and its implementation in the 81 municipalities of the country.

The Minister of Culture also emphasized that sectors such as cinema, design, animation, gastronomy and cultural projects are generating new economic opportunities and strengthening national identity.