Tech and education take the spotlight at Latin America’s World Economic Forum

The 13th annual Latin America edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF), dubbed a “Mini Davos,” began yesterday in São Paulo. With three-quarters of Latin America due to face elections during 2018, the conference’s theme this year was how nations could create new narratives as they face a “tipping point.”

“Latin America is initiating a decisive electoral cycle, which represents an opportunity to embrace technology and innovation while promoting long-term value creation, fostering economic progress in a sustainable manner,” said Marissol Argueta de Barillas, director of the World Economic Forum onLatin America.

Topics on the forum’s table include corruption, fake news, cybersecurity and sexual harassment. Additionally, several panels focus on business and economic issues that could be fundamental for the 750 regional leaders in attendance: Industry 4.0, blockchain, globalization and agricultural innovation.

President Michel Temer opened the conference alongside Barillas, in addition to State Secretary Geraldo Alckmin, city mayor João Doria and footballing legend Pelé. Temer used his opening address to speak out against US President Trump’s proposed tax on steel and aluminum. “We stand against protectionist measures. We are actually in favor of fully opening our markets, and we are also looking for full openness from foreign markets vis-à-vis Brazil,” he said.

Alckmin also took the opportunity to call for fewer protectionist policies, but focused his speech...