Dear GCI followers,
We are very excited that the Minister of International Trade of the Republic of Ecuador, Diego Aulestia, is visiting Great Cities Institute at the end of April. He will make a public presentation on April 29, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. in Student Center West, Thompson Room B. He was the former Minister of Urban Development and Housing and was recently appointed to this new and important position.
Minister Auelstia is part of a very interesting administration under the leadership of President Rafael Correa, a graduate of the University of Illinois. The President has been critical of policies that have impoverished his nation, and in their place, has implemented a wide range of strategies to bring prosperity and benefits to people in Ecuador.
Under the leadership of President Correa, Ecuador has created a unique model for its trade relations. We look forward to hearing more when Minister Aulestia shares with us values, strategies and examples of economic development currently underway in the Republic of Ecuador. It will be particularly exciting to hear what Minister Aulestia has to say, at a time when trade agreements are made among nations, but not often openly discussed. This presentation will open our eyes to the many possibilities for economic development and international trade relations. The well being of its citizens seems to be central to the Ecuadorian project for economic prosperity. Minister Auelistia inspires with the openness, creativity and commitment that seems to characterize much of what is happening in Ecuador today.
Ecuador is also host to the 2016 United Nations (UN) Habitat. Recently, Minister Aulestia, along with Joan Clos, Secretary-General of the UN Conference spoke at a press conference about the upcoming international conference being held in Quito.
Please put April 29, 2015, 9:30 a.m. in your calendar and plan on joining us for this exciting event hosted by the Great Cities Institute and the Chicago Trade Commissioner of Ecuador.
Sincerely,
Teresa Córdova
Director
