AGP Executive Report

Shield of the Americas, UNGA diplomacy: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña is in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly as the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” pushes a tougher line against drug trafficking and organized crime, including a push for sanctions on 24 “narco-terrorist” groups; Paraguay is among the countries backing the coalition’s asset-freeze and visa-restriction plans. Health workers protest: Paraguay’s health workers staged a protest at the Ministry of Public Health demanding a 50% salary increase and a clearer healthcare career path for about 45,000 staff. Visa deal with Saudi Arabia: Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano met Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan in New York and signed an agreement exempting diplomatic and special passport holders from short-stay visa requirements. Tourism push for Iberá: Corrientes and Paraguay’s Senatur advanced a joint tourism agenda to boost international visitors to the Esteros del Iberá, including multilingual promotion. Culture and education: Expo Kambuchi 2026 (Sept 25–27) will spotlight Tobatí artisan Daniela González, while ñandutí artisan Elena Iwatani donated 1,000 instructional books to schools and libraries. Local economy & society: Asunción is ranked among the world’s fastest-growing digital nomad cities (+40% arrivals), and Paraguay’s youth face ongoing gaps in education, poverty, and health insurance.

Hemispheric Security: President Trump pushed the US-led “Shield of the Americas” to sanction 24 criminal networks, with Paraguay among the coalition states backing asset freezes and visa limits. Diplomacy Reset: Venezuela and Paraguay relaunched bilateral ties in Caracas, agreeing on a shared agenda covering trade, energy, consular support, and joint action against organized crime. Tourism & Environment: Corrientes and Paraguay launched a joint agenda to boost tourism around the Esteros del Iberá, including new multi-language promotion and plans to use Asunción’s air links. Paraguay Economy: The maquila sector crossed US$1 billion in cumulative exports for 2026, with MIC citing 40,000 jobs and 26% growth so far this year. Culture & Education: Ñandutí artisan Elena Iwatani donated 1,000 instructional books to Paraguayan schools and libraries, while youth data highlights poverty and low health coverage among ages 15–29. Food Spotlight: Vori Vori reclaimed the top spot as the world’s best soup in TasteAtlas’ latest ranking.

Cultural Heritage: Ñandutí artisan Elena Iwatani donated 1,000 copies of her instructional ñandutí book to schools and libraries nationwide, aiming to pass on the traditional “spider’s web” lace craft to a new generation. Education & Youth: Paraguay’s Youth Day data highlights gaps for ages 15–29: 14.4% live in poverty, only 24.9% have health insurance, and officials point to expanded scholarships and training—5,000 extra higher/technical study places in 2026. Public Health: PAHO and Gilead announced wider access to lenacapavir for HIV prevention via regional revolving funds, including procurement access for Paraguay. Diplomacy: Paraguay and Venezuela launched a new phase of diplomatic and consular relations after President Santiago Peña met Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, with cooperation on trade, energy, consular help, and security. Economy: Paraguay’s maquila sector crossed US$1 billion in cumulative 2026 exports, with 26% growth and 40,000 jobs reported by the industry ministry. Tech & AI: Taiwan-Paraguay’s digital forum spotlighted AI governance and cooperation, with Paraguay’s deputy digital affairs minister calling for long-term work with Taiwan. Food & Tourism: Vori Vori again topped TasteAtlas’s world soup ranking, reinforcing Paraguay’s culinary spotlight.

Diplomacy Reset: Paraguay and Venezuela have launched a new phase in ties after President Santiago Peña met Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, agreeing on renewed diplomatic and consular relations plus cooperation on trade, energy, consular support, and tackling transnational organized crime. AI for Productivity: The IDB convened heads of state and tech leaders in New York to push a regional roadmap for safe, responsible AI adoption in Latin America and the Caribbean, warning that outcomes hinge on skills, institutions, and data systems. Education & AI Use: A study of more than 1,000 Paraguayan university students finds many see AI as a fast way to get answers, raising concerns about originality and critical thinking—urging schools to teach judgment, not just outputs. Economy—Maquila Surge: Paraguay’s maquila sector has crossed US$1 billion in exports for 2026 so far, with 26% growth and about 40,000 jobs, as firms expand and diversify markets. Culture & Community: Asunción’s Kaffe’i coffee shop placed 95th in South America’s 100 Best for a second straight year, while Paraguay’s theatre scene celebrated Premios Edda de los Ríos, with Barrunto taking top honors. Local Heritage: Restoration of San Blas Cathedral in Ciudad del Este began after a February fire, with safety upgrades and a planned reopening in February 2027.

Paraguay-Venezuela Diplomacy: President Santiago Peña’s Caracas visit kicked off a “new phase” in ties, with both governments pledging open dialogue and renewed cooperation, while Paraguay’s contested PDVSA oil debt remains unresolved. Maquila Boom: Paraguay’s maquila sector crossed US$1 billion in exports in just eight months of 2026, up 26%, with 40,000 jobs and Brazil plus Mercosur as key markets. Humanitarian Aid Link: The UAE sent earthquake relief to Colombia using Paraguay’s production and logistics, with Paraguayan officials highlighting the regional partnership. Asunción City Profile: Asunción climbed 22 places in the Global Cities Index 2026, ranking 446th worldwide and 17th in South America. Church Restoration: San Blas Cathedral in Ciudad del Este began restoration after a February fire, aiming to reopen 3 Feb 2027 with upgraded safety systems. Culture & Arts: Theatre awards crowned “Barrunto” with three prizes at Premios Edda 2026, while spring celebrations spotlight Paraguay’s mburucuyá flower and Youth Day. Health & Industry: Sandoz and mAbxience agreed on an emicizumab biosimilar partnership, with manufacturing planned in Argentina and Spain.

Diplomacy Reset: Paraguay and Venezuela officially kicked off a “new phase” in relations after President Santiago Peña’s Caracas visit, agreeing to deepen dialogue, trade, and technical cooperation—while the long-running PDVSA oil debt remains a live issue. Humanitarian Aid: The UAE dispatched $10 million in urgent earthquake relief to Colombia, with supplies bought in Paraguay and shipped via regional logistics, supporting local suppliers as aid reaches affected communities. City Watch: Asunción climbed 22 spots in the Global Cities Index 2026, ranking 446th worldwide and 17th in South America, with Oxford Economics pointing to areas Paraguay’s capital can strengthen. Rebuilding in Ciudad del Este: Restoration of San Blas Cathedral began after the February fire, with new safety systems planned and a reopening set for Feb. 3, 2027. Culture & Arts: British extreme metal band Carcass will play Asunción on Nov. 30, while emerging director Enzo Szarán is set to debut a new theatre work in September. Indigenous Heritage: Paraguay honored three Aché women as “Living National Treasures” for preserving basketry and traditional knowledge.

Paraguay–Venezuela Diplomacy: President Santiago Peña wrapped up a working visit to Caracas, where he met Delcy Rodríguez and the two sides signed a joint statement to strengthen ties and set a new roadmap for cooperation. Local Governance & Culture: Asunción climbed 22 spots in the Global Cities Index 2026, now ranked 446th worldwide, with Oxford Economics pointing to strengths and areas to improve across economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance. Heritage Restoration: Ciudad del Este’s San Blas Cathedral restoration began after the February fire, with new safety systems planned and a reopening targeted for 3 February 2027. Education & Labor: Paraguayan teachers launched a strike demanding higher salaries and a better education budget. Indigenous Culture: The National Secretariat of Culture named three Aché women from Alto Paraná as Living National Treasures for preserving basketry and traditional knowledge. Sports: Venezuela’s U-15 women’s team won the CONMEBOL Evolution League after a 4-1 penalty shootout win over Paraguay at CARFE in Ypané. Entertainment: British extreme metal band Carcass announced its first Paraguay show on 30 November 2026 in Asunción.

Diplomacy in Motion: Paraguayan President Santiago Peña wrapped up a working visit to Venezuela and signed a joint statement with Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, as both sides outlined a new roadmap to strengthen binational ties. Regional Conservation: A massive school of dorados is moving along the Paraná River, prompting Corrientes to impose a dynamic, shifting fishing ban to protect the fish as they migrate. Education Pressure: Teachers in Asunción and across Paraguay launched strike actions demanding an 8% wage increase, more education funding, and fixes for school infrastructure, after rejecting a government deal with a minority union sector. Culture & Heritage: Paraguay’s National Secretariat of Culture named three Aché women from Alto Paraná as Living National Treasures for preserving traditional basketry and intangible knowledge. International Mobility: New Zealand published a list of 25 transit visa waiver countries, including Paraguay, though travelers still need an NZeTA. Sports & Entertainment: Punk fans in Asunción are gearing up for Michale Graves’ concert at Vöudevil Venue on Sept. 20, while Paraguay’s Berta Rojas earned three Latin Grammy nominations for “La Huella de las Cuerdas.”

Education Crisis: Paraguayan teachers and education workers hit the streets and blocked roads in Asunción and beyond, demanding an 8% pay rise, a bigger education budget, and fixes to school infrastructure, rejecting a government pact they say is meant to weaken unions. Indigenous Culture: Paraguay’s National Secretariat of Culture named three Aché women from Alto Paraná as “Living National Treasures” for safeguarding basketry and traditional knowledge. Sports & Culture in Asunción: The World Skate Games ASU26 will feature medals inspired by Asunción’s Galoperas dancers, blending local folklore with international competition. Music Spotlight: Paraguayan classical guitarist Berta Rojas earned three Latin Grammy nominations for La Huella de las Cuerdas. International Desk: India backed a UN vote allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the UN via video after the US denied visas; the US, Israel and Paraguay voted against.

Teacher Strike in Asunción: Paraguay’s education unions (UNE and OTEP-SN) mobilized and blocked roads, demanding an 8% wage rise, a bigger education budget, and fixes for school infrastructure, rejecting a government pact with a minority union that they say weakens labor unity. World Skate Games Culture: Asunción’s World Skate Games ASU26 will feature medals inspired by the city’s Galoperas dancers, turning Paraguayan folklore into the design athletes will carry worldwide. Latin Grammy Spotlight: Paraguayan guitarist Berta Rojas earned three Latin Grammy nominations for La Huella de las Cuerdas, including Best Instrumental Album and Best Contemporary Classical Composition. Paraguay in Global Mobility: A roundup highlights Paraguay’s strong 2026 passport access, while noting some destinations still require ETAs or other pre-registration. Investment Dispute Update: ATOME says it has filed a Notice of Dispute and plans arbitration under the UK–Paraguay investment treaty over the Villeta low-carbon fertiliser project. Culture & Art in Asunción: A free solo exhibition, El Jardín de Beatriz, opened in September at Manzana de la Rivera, exploring nature and memory through paintings, silk works, and installations.

Education Strike: Paraguayan teachers (UNE and OTEP-SN) blocked roads in Asunción and other cities, demanding an 8% pay rise, more education funding, and fixes for school infrastructure, after rejecting a government pact they say aims to weaken union unity. Sports & Culture: Asunción’s World Skate Games ASU26 medals will be inspired by the city’s Galoperas folk dancers, linking Paraguayan tradition to the international event. Music Spotlight: Paraguayan classical guitarist Berta Rojas won three Latin Grammy nominations for La Huella de las Cuerdas. Art in Asunción: Verónica Melgarejo opened her first solo exhibition, El Jardín de Beatriz, exploring nature and memory with free admission through October. Health & Industry: Sandoz and mAbxience announced a biosimilar development deal for hemophilia A treatment, expanding access efforts. Business/Investment: ATOME filed a Notice of Dispute and Intent to arbitrate Paraguay under the UK-Paraguay investment treaty over its Villeta low-carbon fertiliser project. Travel & Lifestyle: A guide highlights how Paraguayan passport holders can travel visa-free across many destinations in 2026, with some requiring ETAs or pre-registration.

Teachers’ Strike in Paraguay: Educators in Asunción and across the country launched strike days demanding an 8% wage increase, a bigger education budget, and fixes for school infrastructure, after rejecting a government agreement with a minority union sector. El Niño Watch for Paraguay: Regional forecasts say El Niño could bring above-average rainfall and higher flood risk for Paraguay and parts of southern South America, while other areas may face drier conditions. Itaipú Floodgates Open: Paraguay and Brazil’s Itaipú began controlled spillway releases for 10 days after heavy El Niño rains raised Paraná River levels, aiming to protect operations and reduce flooding risk. Paraguay-Linked Investment Dispute: ATOME PLC filed a Notice of Dispute and plans arbitration against Paraguay under the UK-Paraguay investment treaty over the Villeta low-carbon fertiliser project. Border Milestone: Bolivia and Paraguay finalized their shared border delineation after nearly 88 years of talks. Local Culture & Travel: Asunción hosts a sustainable fashion event at Casa MOLA Paraguay, while a guide highlights where Paraguayan passport holders can travel visa-free in 2026.

Paraguay–UK Investment Clash: ATOME PLC filed a Notice of Dispute and Intent to Submit a Claim to Arbitration against the Republic of Paraguay under the UK–Paraguay investment treaty tied to the Villeta low-carbon fertiliser project, keeping the US$665 million “shovel ready” plan in legal limbo. Border Update: Bolivia and Paraguay completed the delineation of their entire shared border after 88 years of work, including final checks using high-precision drones and agreement on the last 3.5 km stretch along the Rio Negro. Health Access: Gilead and PAHO announced a milestone partnership to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention (PrEP) across PAHO member states in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Paraguay. Energy & Climate: Itaipú opened its floodgates for 10 days after heavy El Niño rains raised Paraná River levels, coordinating releases to reduce flooding risks in Paraguay and Argentina. Culture & Society: MuCi, Paraguay’s Science Museum, is a finalist in three categories for the ICOM COMMS Awards 2026, while Asunción hosts a sustainable fashion event with free registration at Casa MOLA Paraguay.

HIV Prevention Push: Gilead and PAHO announced a milestone deal to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (PrEP) across all PAHO Member States in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Paraguay, via PAHO’s regional purchasing system. Climate & Water Management: Itaipú began controlled spillway openings for 10 days after heavy El Niño rains raised Paraná River levels, aiming to protect energy generation and reduce flood risk in Paraguay’s border cities. Paraguay in Global Relocation: Paraguay ranked second in South America and 44th worldwide in the 2026 Global Relocation Index, boosted by affordability, a territorial tax system, and relatively accessible residency options. Local Conservation & Wildlife: Paraguay’s white-eared opossum breeding season is underway, with experts warning that domestic dogs are the biggest threat as mykure become more visible in cities. Science & Culture Spotlight: Paraguay’s MuCi science museum is a finalist in three categories for the ICOM COMMS Awards 2026, including campaigns on chipa and “Science for All.” Electric Vehicle Step: KGM supplied 20 Musso EVs to Paraguay’s government as part of an electric vehicle pilot, with plans for an auto parts task center. Education Focus: PISA 2025 results show Latin America slipping further in core learning, with Paraguay’s region facing a long-term “low-quality trap” concern.

Public Health & HIV Prevention: Gilead and PAHO agreed a new pathway for twice-yearly lenacapavir (Yeztugo) access via PAHO’s regional purchasing system, expanding options for 14 countries including Paraguay. Energy & Climate Impact: Itaipú opened dam gates for 10 days after heavy El Niño rains raised Paraná River levels, coordinating releases to reduce flood risk in Paraguay’s border cities. Economy & Mobility: Paraguay ranked 2nd in South America in the 2026 Global Relocation Index, with Rumavi citing low costs, territorial tax rules, and accessible residency. Local Society & Wildlife: Paraguay’s white-eared opossum breeding season is underway, with experts urging residents to keep pet food secured overnight to protect them. Tech & Trade: India and MERCOSUR signed a protocol to recognize electronic Certificates of Origin, with Paraguay also signing, aiming to cut paperwork and speed customs. Diplomacy: Paraguay’s ambassador presented credentials in Serbia, with both sides eyeing closer economic, cultural, and security cooperation. Culture & Science: MuCi, Paraguay’s Science Museum, is a finalist in three ICOM COMMS Awards categories. Sports: Paraguay’s U-15 futsal team won the world title on home soil, beating Colombia 3-2 in extra time.

Doctors’ Strike Deal: Paraguay’s government reached a preliminary agreement with the National Union of Physicians for a 2,000,000-guaraní salary increase for public-sector doctors, potentially allowing the Sept. 21-22 strike to be lifted pending union assembly ratification. HIV Prevention Access: PAHO and Gilead announced a new pathway to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (PrEP) across 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Paraguay, using PAHO’s regional purchasing system. Trade Modernization: India and MERCOSUR signed protocols to recognize electronic Certificates of Origin, with Paraguay among MERCOSUR members, aiming to cut paperwork and speed customs for preferential trade. Diplomacy: Paraguay’s ambassador presented credentials in Serbia, with both sides highlighting plans to deepen economic ties and cooperation in culture, security, and defense. Sports: Paraguay’s U-15 futsal team won the world title on home soil, beating Colombia 3-2 in extra time. Culture & Arts: A new faculty recital in the U.S. highlights Paraguayan composer Agustín Barrios Mangoré’s “La Catedral,” bringing his work to a wider audience.