While the years of civil war and unrest may be behind Central America, the challenges the next generation of leaders face are immense: poverty, crime, corruption, disillusionment with democracy, and the complexities of globalization, to name but a few. These are challenges that the next generations of leaders in Central America must find creative and innovative strategies to deal with. In May of 2004 a three day Aspen Institute Executive Seminar was convened for 20 senior leaders from throughout Central America to discuss an ambitious project to help equip future leaders in the region with the relationships, vision and courage to help steer the countries of Central America to overcome these challenges and to lead the region into an era of greater peace and prosperity.

After this three-day seminar this Founding Sponsors felt compelled by their experience and the promise it held to help shape future generations of leaders that they committed to help INCAE and the Aspen Institute launch a 5-year program called the Central American Leadership Initiative (CALI). This Initiative draws from the Aspen Institute’s extensive work around the world to help young, successful leaders move from success to significance in helping solve the most pressing problems their countries face. With the inaugural CALI Fellows class launched in February 2005 in Costa Rica a pilot was created for CALI with an official structure and permanent staff. The class successfully graduated in Guatemala in July of 2006.

CALI promises to make a unique and lasting contribution to the region. The initial results have been quite dramatic and the Founding Sponsors are eager to see the program continue.