The Organization of American States (OAS) is the largest and most important organizations in the Americas and Latin America. This is the first time that OAS's Americas Competitiveness Exchange on Innovation & Entrepreneurship (ACE) program will be held outside the Western Hemisphere.
Israel and Germany were chosen to host ACE in light of their achievements in innovation and entrepreneurship.
The visit to Israel is organized by the Economic and Latin America Departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israeli Innovation Authority, and will showcase the Israeli ecosystem of innovation. It is also an opportunity to deepen cooperation and create joint ventures in the fields technology, R & D and trade.
The conference will host more than 50 senior officials from innovation agencies, development banks, private corporations and government ministries from 17 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and North America.
Dr. Ami Appelbaum, the Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Economy and Industry and Chairman of Israel Innovation Authority: "Israel has been named the "Start-Up nation" for a good reason. The technological resources, entrepreneurial spirit, skilled manpower and a culture that supports taking risks, have led Israel to develop innovative technologies and products that generated outstanding changes in the global market. Over the years, a unique ecosystem of innovation has been established in Israel. The role of the Innovation Authority in this ecosystem is to preserve Israel's technological leadership and increase the economic value of its entire economy."
Mr. Modi Ephraim, Deputy Director General and head of Latin American & Caribbean division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added "The Foreign Ministry continues its efforts to promote strong ties with Latin American countries, as expressed in the visits of three presidents over the past month, the transfer of embassies to Jerusalem and the signing of trade agreements. An important part of our work lies also in the excellent relations we have with regional organizations, as shown with the Organization of American States' decision to host in Israel its prestigious innovation project, which will be held for the first time outside the American continent".
A festive gala event will be held on June 24 at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, hosted by the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Benjamin Netanyahu with the participation of the Minister of Finance, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Israel's Innovation Authority and 120 guests from Israel's innovation sector.