Sustainability, Water Stewardship, and Workforce Development in Latin America with Coca-Cola: Insights from Meridian’s Global Dialogue Series

Soft drink diplomacy? Since 1892, The Coca-Cola Company has served as a uniquely American ambassador to the world, making its mark on countries and cultures worldwide. On February 20, 2024, Meridian International Center hosted a robust luncheon conversation about water security, the circular economy, and economic development. Along with leaders from The Coca-Cola Company, diplomatic leaders from key countries and U.S. Department of State representatives joined the conversation. In this Global Dialogue Series Luncheon, participants discussed sustainability and the role of the public and private sectors in furthering global sustainability goals. 

Participants explored the challenges in operations, finance, and regulation, as well as the security situation in the region. They also discussed the importance of multilateral, bilateral, regional, federal, and local partnerships in addressing the complexities of providing secure employment opportunities to local communities. Participants emphasized protecting Latin America’s unique natural resources through customization, integration, and global partnerships. 

Over the years, generations have embraced Coca-Cola, demonstrating how American companies can work with global partners toward developing local communities and economies. Through engaging with global partners on all levels, tangible progress can be made on economic development and environmental sustainability. 

This program was made possible through the support of

Ambassador Catalina Crespo-Sancho (Embassy of Costa Rica) in conversation with Henry Baldelomar Chávez (Embassy of Bolivia) during the Meridian Global Dialogue Luncheon, “Sustainability, Water Stewardship and Workforce Development in Latin America,” on February 20, 2024 at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Bruno Pietracci (The Coca-Cola Company) during the Meridian Global Dialogue Luncheon, “Sustainability, Water Stewardship and Workforce Development in Latin America,” on February 20, 2024 at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Galo Fraga (Embassy of Ecuador) in conversation with Jim McGreevy (The Coca-Cola Company) during the Meridian Global Dialogue Luncheon, “Sustainability, Water Stewardship and Workforce Development in Latin America,” on February 20, 2024 at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Ambassador Ramón Martínez de la Guardia (Embassy of Panama) and Soledad Pena Plaza (Embassy of Ecuador) during the Meridian Global Dialogue Luncheon, “Sustainability, Water Stewardship and Workforce Development in Latin America,” on February 20, 2024 at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Adrián Nador (Embassy of Argentina), sitting alongside Julien Katchinoff (U.S. Department of State) and Sergio Londoño (The Coca-Cola Company), during the Meridian Global Dialogue Luncheon, “Sustainability, Water Stewardship and Workforce Development in Latin America,” on February 20, 2024 at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Ambassador Catalina Crespo-Sancho (Embassy of Costa Rica) during the Meridian Global Dialogue Luncheon, “Sustainability, Water Stewardship and Workforce Development in Latin America,” on February 20, 2024 at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Francisco Gamez (U.S. Department of State), sitting alongside Daniel Ávila-Camacho (Embassy of Colombia) and Paola Andrea Tapia Fernández (Embassy of Bolivia), during the Meridian Global Dialogue Luncheon, “Sustainability, Water Stewardship and Workforce Development in Latin America,” on February 20, 2024 at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Attendees gather to discuss the water challenges facing countries in Latin America and to explore strategies for addressing them during the Meridian Global Dialogue Luncheon, “Sustainability, Water Stewardship and Workforce Development in Latin America,” on February 20, 2024 at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Sergio Londoño (The Coca-Cola Company) during the Meridian Global Dialogue Luncheon, “Sustainability, Water Stewardship and Workforce Development in Latin America,” on February 20, 2024 at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.