DRIVEN BY PURPOSE

Panama is known for being one of the world’s most attractive destinations thanks to its privileged geographical position, natural resources, strong rule-of-law, capable and welcoming workforce, as well as its solid and reliable infrastructure. The country has witnessed outstanding growth over the past five years, and has been attracting investment, businesses, and tourism in an unparalleled manner. Panama is also dedicated to achieving full gender equality, supports civil liberties and is fully committed to ensuring inclusion, diversity, and multiculturalism in its society.

PROMOTING DEMOCRACY

In recent years, democratic governments have come under threat in Latin America and around the world. In the face of rising authoritarianism, Panama understands the obligation of every free country to stand up for democratic norms and human rights. That is why Panama partnered with Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic in 2021 to create the Alliance for Development in Democracy, working to foster economic prosperity and sustainability across the region, restore trust in governments, and address the root issues driving migration, poverty, and corruption.

Last year, the Alliance gained international recognition with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris praising it as “an ambitious and a necessary agenda…to counter corruption, to promote gender equality, to defend gender expression, to find solutions for irregular migration, and to bolster private sector investment.”

OUR PEOPLE AND TALENT

In recent years, the Panamanian government has achieved one of the highest GDP growth rates in Latin America, with expectation of sustained and unprecedented growth.

With the support of local business communities, Panama’s emphasis on openness and talent investment has helped drive its remarkable success. This achievement is rooted in the shared culture and values of the people living in Panama, where family and solidarity are considered the cornerstone of social unity, shaping economic and societal activities. This is reflected in the strong expertise that the labor force gathered across the service industry underpinning the country’s economy.

Panamanians are also known for being reliable and friendly in developing and maintaining professional relationships. Their welcoming approach and open-mindedness foster an entrepreneurial spirit and attract new talent, boosting the country’s prosperity and quality of life.

DIVERSITY, GENDER EQUALITY AND INCLUSION

Panama values diversity, equality and multiculturalism as essential drivers for the country’s prosperity. With its diverse population, Panama works actively to develop and implement public policies to enhance equality, inclusivity and non-discrimination while guaranteeing robust governance systems that hold public and private institutions accountable, in line with international human rights standards.

Panama remains steadfast in its dedication to achieving a more equitable society, with a particular focus on gender equality. Various initiatives and cutting-edge policies have empowered women across the country, resulting in a significant increase in female labor participation rate, reaching 55% of the workforce – almost 10% higher than the global average.

Panama has also demonstrated deep commitment to economic inclusivity through targeted investments in sectors predominantly employing women. Programs such as the Gender Parity Initiative and Women in the Energy Transition roadmap aim to encourage women’s participation in science and math careers. In addition, and as a founding member of the International Coalition for Equal Pay, Panama enacted the ILO Convention No. 100 in 2019, mandating equal remuneration for work of equal value between men and women.

PROMOTING PEACE AND SECURITY

Since 1958, Panama has fulfilled its role as a member of the United Nations Security Council for five terms. During its most recent term from 2007 to 2008, the country assumed the Presidency of the Council under intricate international circumstances including a global financial crisis.

Amidst escalating tensions and conflicts worldwide, Panama calls for reinforced multilateralism and a comprehensive reassessment of institutional dialogue and mediation processes. The nation strongly believes in, and supports, the role of constructive dialogue and negotiation in achieving peace. This collaborative approach served as the basis for the process of recovery of the lnteroceanic Canal through the Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977, as well as the Contadora Peace Agreements that put an end to the armed conflicts in Central America in the 1980s, with the support of the UN and other international organizations.

In the face of poly-crises and growing security threats, Panama also makes it a priority to actively engage and include women across peacemaking and peacebuilding activities, conflict prevention efforts and the maintenance of both regional and international security.