A new era begins. Global leaders descended upon New York City for the United Nations General Assembly this week, marking the first time the proceedings weren’t dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic since 2019, as well as the turning of a historic page. Many leaders in attendance traveled to Manhattan after paying their respects at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

With new Latin American presidents at the UN podium this year, the change underway in the region was showcased. Chile’s Gabriel Boric, the world’s youngest head of state, warned governments to address inequality or risk facing the kind of social unrest experienced in his own country in recent years. Colombia’s Gustavo Petro demanded an end to drug war policy, calling for attention to shift instead to addressing climate change. And Honduras’ Xiomara Castro told the international community not to meddle in her country’s affairs.

Latin American leaders also voiced a range of opinions on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its global economic impact. Read our overview of regional remarks and developments.

In conjunction with the UN events, AS/COA had the honor of hosting a number of presidents this week. See who joined us. 

Tax Reform 2.0. A day after taking office last month, Colombia’s president introduced a much-watched tax reform to Congress. With his predecessor’s reform sparking massive protests, Petro’s intention is to avoid that fate and fix the country’s socioeconomic imbalances. AS/COA Online spoke with experts who assessed the reform, now in the legislature’s hands.

What’s coming up in Latin America? 

• September 24: The penultimate debate before the Brazilian presidential election is set for this date, but frontrunner Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will be a no show. Learn more about the October 2 general elections in an AS/COA Online explainer.

• October 2: Regional and municipal elections take place in Peru.

THEY SAID WHAT?

• U.S. sanctions on Paraguayan politicians reveal concern over Washington ally’s organized crime woes. (Financial Times)
• Chile’s Defense Ministry suffers hack exposing 400,000 emails. (CIPER)
• Costa Rica’s Congress opens investigation into president’s campaign financing. (Reuters)
• Major earthquake hits Mexico for third time on same date, followed by another days later. (VICE, AP)
• United States to resume processing Cuban immigrant visas in Havana Embassy. (CBS News) 

Debt restructured through a plan agreed to between Ecuador and two Chinese banks, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The plan will provide Ecuador with $1.4 billion in relief. 

2027 and 2032

Years the two restructured loans will now reach maturity, allowing President Guillermo Lasso to relocate money earmarked for debt repayment to current government priorities.


$18 billion

Total value of loans Ecuador has accepted from Chinese banks since 2007.