Conference of Spouses of Heads of State and
Government of the
Americas
The Central American countries began meeting in 1980, and in 1991, the first ladies
of Latin America and the Caribbean voted to hold annual meetings.
On September 26, 2002, Mrs. Bush joined the Conference of Spouses of Heads of State
and Government of the Americas in Mexico City. Mrs. Bush addressed the topic of
children and poverty, and ways to improve the quality of life for children. By
exchanging ideas and information on the issues that affect our children, we
strengthen partnerships that lead to a better quality of life for all citizens of the
Americas.
The 2003 Conference was held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Mrs. Bush
joined other first ladies from the countries of
North, South, and Central America and the Caribbean to focus on critical social
issues, particularly those affecting women and children, and to share
information on
effective programs and strategies. The focus of the Conference was "Education for
Work and Life."
Mrs. Bush discussed the importance of adolescent years in forming healthy and
productive adults; investing in our youth; the role of education both here at home
and abroad in ameliorating poverty, ensuring equity, and fueling strong economies and
jobs; and the US's commitment to the region. She also discussed a model program on character
education.