From City Hall Press Release
April 21, 2008

Conference of Mayors Vice President Miami Mayor Manny Diaz spoke before the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Board of Governors in Miami April 7, calling for “One America,” an integrated view of the Hemisphere as the logical long term solution for sustainable economic progress.

Diaz provided a clear message to fellow leaders from across the Americas: “It is time that we come to the simple realization... that we are all Americans and that we must see ourselves as One America,” he said. In his remarks he offered his vision for “an alliance rooted in hope, opportunity and prosperity for all Americans” that would “serve to show the world that democracy and progress are naturally linked.”

As leader of one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States, Diaz presented Miami as the epicenter of the Americas and a model for hemispheric integration, openness, and sustainable growth. “Make no mistake, Miami’s renaissance has resulted from our strong business, cultural and educational ties with the Americas,” said Diaz, “and so it is that we must embrace our role as the face of our Hemisphere where the North, the South, and the Caribbean all come together to live, work and understand one another- and to prosper from this relationship.”

The theme of his remarks remained the shared future of the countries and economies represented by his colleagues, however Diaz also referenced the history of the IDB in the context of the United States. “Our challenge today is no different than that set forth by an American president over 40 years ago… that each of us help transform this hemisphere into a vast reservoir of new ideas, a tribute to the power of the creative energies of free men and women,” he said.

The Inter-American Development Bank Board of Governors is the Bank’s highest policymaking body, comprising finance ministers and central bankers. The Annual Meeting is the organization’s principal forum for discussion of political, economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean and is held in conjunction with the Inter-American Investment Corporation.

Diaz has led Miami toward a renaissance of prosperity and opportunity since he was first elected in 2001. Private investment has poured into Miami, increasing to well over $30 billion dollars worth of development projects and cutting unemployment to record low levels. Now in his second term, the Vice-President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors is recognized as a leading innovator amongst his fellow mayors. His awards and recognition include “Urban Innovator of the Year” by the Manhattan Institute, “Business Leader of the Year” by SouthFlorida CEO Magazine, and “Outstanding American by Choice” by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. In 2007, Diaz received First Place at the national City Livability Awards program for Elevate Miami, his comprehensive city-wide poverty reduction strategy. He has also been recognized by AmericaEconomia magazine, which has named Miami “The Best Place to Do Business in Latin America” for four consecutive years. For more information, visit the website www.MiamiGov.com/mayor.