Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols ends visit to El Salvador

Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affair Brian Nichols Visits El Salvador

October 27, 2023

Economic Relations and Sustainable Development Goals

1. Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affair Brian Nichols recently concluded his visit to El Salvador.
2. During his visit, he emphasized the importance of strengthening economic relations between the United States and El Salvador.
3. Nichols highlighted that the United States is El Salvador’s most important trading partner.
4. He expressed the need for increased U.S. investment in El Salvador, which would require providing training to the workforce, improving education, conducting market research, and creating more opportunities.
5. Nichols engaged with business leaders to discuss economic growth, investment climate, and trade ties between the two countries.
6. The aim was to attract U.S. investment, benefiting both U.S. citizens and Salvadorans.

Meeting with President Nayib Bukele and Government Cabinet

• During his visit, Nichols met with President Nayib Bukele and members of the government cabinet.
• Following the meeting, he described it as excellent and highlighted the discussions on various topics:
• El Salvador’s support for the international mission in Haiti
• Efforts to promote foreign direct investment in El Salvador
• Bilateral cooperation on the rule of law
• Mutual efforts to address irregular migration

Recognition of Human Rights Institute at the Central American University (IDHUCA)

• Secretary Nichols visited the Human Rights Institute at the Central American University (IDHUCA) to gain insights into different perspectives on the rule of law in El Salvador.
• He acknowledged the important role played by civil society and non-governmental organizations in any democracy.
• Nichols recognized and appreciated the work of the Human Rights Institute of the Central American University (IDHUCA).

Trip to Guatemala and Support for Democratic Processes

1. Prior to his visit to El Salvador, Secretary Nichols made a two-day visit to Guatemala.
2. In Guatemala, he expressed U.S. support for a peaceful presidential transition process.
3. The purpose of his visits to both Guatemala and El Salvador was to:
• Support democratic processes
• Understand the reality of the countries
• Emphasize that democracy is the most important form of government
• Highlight that the will of the people is key to the future

By U.S. Embassy San Salvador | 27 October, 2023 | Topics: News, Press Releases

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The article discusses the need to strengthen economic relations between the United States and El Salvador. It mentions that the United States is El Salvador’s most important trading partner and emphasizes the interest in attracting U.S. investment. These issues are directly related to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

SDG 4: Quality Education

The article mentions the need for providing training to the workforce and more education. This aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

SDG 1: No Poverty

While not explicitly mentioned in the article, the focus on economic growth, education, and investment can contribute to reducing poverty, which is the main objective of SDG 1.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article briefly mentions discussions on bilateral cooperation on the rule of law and efforts to address irregular migration. These topics are relevant to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article does not explicitly mention inequalities, but the focus on strengthening economic relations and attracting U.S. investment can potentially contribute to reducing economic inequalities between countries.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article mentions the interest in strengthening trade ties and attracting U.S. investment, highlighting the importance of partnerships between countries. This aligns with SDG 17, which aims to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

– Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.

– Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.

– Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.

– Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

– Target 10.5: Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and strengthen the implementation of such regulations.

– Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, indicators such as GDP growth rate, youth and adult skills development programs, poverty rates, institutional transparency measures, financial market regulations, and investment flows could be relevant indicators to track progress.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators