Presentation to the National Coordinators of the SIRG Organization of American States, November 18, 2014

A Government Commitment The Republic of Panama, having assumed the responsibility of hosting the VII Summit of the Americas, is engaged in an intensive work program, together with the OAS in its capacity as Summit Secretariat, to guarantee the success of this important international meeting. With the Coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the full collaboration of the National Government of Panama, diligent efforts are being made to ensure that we will be able to successfully receive the sister delegations from the countries of the Americas in our country in April Matters such as accreditations, airports, transportation, liaisons, accommodations, security, press, communications, health, ceremonial events, and protocol are being worked on every day.

Summit Figures This lofty gathering will bring together in Panama official delegations from 35 countries and delegations from the business sector and from youth and civil society organizations of the Americas not only for the main event but also for all the prior, ministerial, and sectoral meetings held in preparation for it. As far as the official delegations are concerned, the Summit will mobilize some 2,100 civil servants from the various governments and international organizations, including the areas of protocol, foreign ministries, security, and the official press of each Head of State and/or Government. It is estimated that as many as 1,500 media representatives from the Hemisphere will participate, in addition to the 1,400 present at the three parallel forums. Adding up these figures, the Seventh Summit will bring more than 5,000 participants to our country, which will have a direct impact on air traffic, hotel occupancy (over 3,000 hotel nights in about 16 hotels), restaurants, retail trade, handicraft sales, and the transportation and tourism sectors. In addition, the meeting, because of its significant media impact, will afford a great opportunity for promoting our country as a venue for major international events and a destination for congresses and conventions and will enhance Panama’s image as a country of progress and peace, in the service of the world as a whole.

ATLAPA Convention Center Summit Venue Strategically located near the center of modern Panama City, just 20 minutes from Tocumen International Airport via the Corredor Sur highway.

ATLAPA The Convention Center, located on eight hectares (19 acres), can hold events for over 10,000 people. Las Islas, a 3,200 square meter (34,445 square foot) open area without columns will be used for the plenary and the La Huaca Theater (capacity of 600) will be ideal for the final press conference. The center also has rooms for bilaterals, offices and services, exhibition facilities, and 1,200 parking places.

Anayansi Theater Venue for the Inaugural Ceremony The Anayansi Theater can seat 2,800 comfortably. Its pre-installed lights and sound equipment facilitate stage set-up.

Accommodations Next to the ATLAPA are the 361-room Sheraton Hotel and the 303-room Aloft Hotel. Nearby are 14 other hotels: the Ramada (45), the Westin Costa del Este (218), the Marriott Courtyard (243), the Trump (369), the Waldorf Astoria (113), the Miramar Intercontinental (186), the Decapolis (240), the Hard Rock Café (1,486), the Plaza Paitilla Inn (272), the Riu (644), the Bristol (125), the Le Meridien (110), and the Ejecutivo (96), for a total of 4,811 hotel rooms. The official hotels will be the Sheraton, the Miramar, and the Riu for the official delegations and the Aloft for the delegations of international organizations. The drawing will take place at the November SIRG meeting at OAS headquarters.

Official Photo Two sites have been considered for the official photo: one inside the ATLAPA in the event of rain and the other outside the Convention Center, in front of the Terrestrial Globe with “our America” at the center.

Social Activities Following the inaugural ceremony of the VII Summit of the Americas, the President and the First Lady of Panama will host a dinner for the distinguished guests in the new Biodiversity Museum, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. In addition, during the event, participants may wish to go on some sightseeing tours, including visits to the Panama Canal.

Proposed Program Draft, October 9, 2014, version Friday, April 10, 2015 Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs Portobelo Room, ATLAPA All day:Arrival of the Heads of State and/or Government 9:30 a.m. Meetings of the civil society, business, and youth forums (Possible participation of the Heads of State and/or Government and the Foreign Ministers) 6:00 p.m. Inaugural Ceremony of the VII Summit of the Americas Place: Anayansi Theater, ATLAPA Convention Center 7:00 p.m.Transfer of the Heads of State and/or Government to the Biodiversity Museum; visit and reception 8:00 p.m.State dinner hosted by the President and First Lady of Panama in honor of the Heads of State and/or Government and First Ladies and delegates participating in the VII Summit of the Americas Place: Biodiversity Museum, Amador Causeway

Saturday, April 11, 2015 Opportunity for working breakfasts or bilaterals 9:00 a.m. First plenary session of the VII Summit of the Americas 12:30 p.m.Las Islas Room, ATLAPA Convention Center 12:40 p.m.Transfer on foot to the Sheraton Hotel Official photo opportunity, Terrestrial Globe in front of the ATLAPA 1:15 p.m.Working luncheon, Contadora 1 and 2 Rooms, Sheraton Hotel 2:30 p.m.Private meeting (retreat) of the Heads of State and/or Government, Las Islas or Portobelo Room, ATLAPA 5:00 p.m.Signing of the Panama Declaration and closing of the Summit 5:30 p.m.Press conference, Press Center, ATLAPA 5:30 p.m. Departure of the Heads of State and/or Government to the hotel or the airport Conclusion of the official program

Thank you for your attention. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Logistics Committee: Miguel Lecaro Margelia