As we mark Pan American Day and the 200th anniversary of the Congress of Panama, Pan-American Strategic Advisors CEO Adam Ratzlaff argues that despite challenges, key resources and interest in promoting inter-American integration are becoming increasingly available.

April 14 marked Pan American Day — a celebration of the creation of the first regional organization that would evolve into the Organization of American States in 1890. This Pan American Day comes at crucial juncture. Not only is this year the 200th anniversary of the Congress of Panama — where Simón Bolívar gathered leaders from across the newly independent nations of the Americas to discuss cooperation — but also at a moment of profound challenges and opportunities for inter-American collaboration.

While efforts to promote cooperation and integration between the nations of the Americas has a long history, it is also riddled with challenges and setbacks. While efforts to promote political cooperation remain elusive, there is a growing interest from Washington—and leaders across the region — to revitalize efforts to promote deeper economic integration. Although challenges remain, increasing interest and growing efforts to promote integration provide an opportunity for deeper engagement in the region.