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From Dangerous to the Safest: El Salvador’s Security Success Highlighted in the Netherlands.
As part of efforts to highlight El Salvador’s transformation in recent years, the Embassy in the Netherlands hosted a conversation with the Latin American Table of the Sociëteit de Witt, a prestigious literary society, in The Hague.
The event gathered Dutch government officials, business leaders, members of European organizations, and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in The Hague. During the meeting, Ambassador Agustín Vásquez Gómez delivered a presentation offering a broad perspective on the transformation model driven by the Salvadoran government, emphasizing achievements in security and innovation that have positioned the country as a regional and global reference point.
In his remarks, the ambassador also took the audience through the history and identity of the Salvadoran people, underlining how these elements have shaped the nation. He highlighted El Salvador’s historical contributions to international law and its commitment to diplomacy and dialogue as tools for conflict resolution.
Key initiatives such as the Territorial Control Plan, the development of Urban Centers for Wellbeing and Opportunities (CUBOS), and the Surf City tourist corridor were introduced during the presentation. Attendees expressed strong interest in understanding how El Salvador evolved from being one of the world’s most dangerous countries to the safest in the Western Hemisphere, a reality that would have been unimaginable just a decade ago.
For many participants, this event marked their first real engagement with the new reality of El Salvador. By the end of the session, several attendees expressed their intent to visit the country before the year’s end to experience its changes firsthand. Members of the Latin American Table also voiced their enthusiasm for organizing a group visit, eager to explore Salvadoran culture, history, and traditions.
They showed particular excitement about learning more about Salvadoran coffee, sugarcane, gastronomy, museums, and the picturesque towns across the country, aiming to experience the cultural renaissance that El Salvador is now proudly sharing with the world.
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Masterclass in Bolivia Highlights Pupusas: El Salvador’s Iconic Dish.
As part of the efforts by El Salvador’s Network of Diplomatic and Consular Representations to promote national identity and strengthen friendships with countries around the world, the Embassy in Bolivia organized a special event to spotlight El Salvador’s most iconic dish: the pupusa.
In coordination with Bolivia’s Institute of Training and Labor Development (INFOCAL), a master class was held, presenting this culinary treasure from a cultural and traditional perspective. Students learned about the essential ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for making pupusas, along with traditional accompaniments like salsa and curtido.
The session was attended by 27 final-year students from INFOCAL’s Advanced Technical Degree in Gastronomy program, who welcomed this new addition to their recipe collections. As part of the event, attendees also enjoyed a screening of an episode from the miniseries “Las Pupusas,” produced by MO Studios, which explores El Salvador’s rich culinary traditions alongside its history, culture, and tourist destinations.
To complete the experience, participants were treated to a cup of Salvadoran coffee, another globally acclaimed specialty.
“Through initiatives like this, we aim to further strengthen the bonds of friendship with the Bolivian people by promoting our gastronomy and cultural exchange,” said Ana Rivas, El Salvador’s ambassador to Bolivia.
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El Salvador to Host IDB Forum 2025: Boosting Innovation, Investment, and Entrepreneurship in Latin America.
El Salvador has been selected to host the IDB Forum 2025, a major event organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic networking across Latin America. The announcement was made by Olga Gómez, IDB representative in El Salvador, during the SNBX Innovation Summit.
«We will be working to bring the IDB Forum 2025, formerly known as IDB Lab, to El Salvador in late November and early December of this year,» stated Gómez. The event will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and business accelerators, aiming to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem through financing, inclusion, and collaboration.
The IDB Forum is recognized as a dynamic platform for discussing technological trends, identifying emerging talent, consolidating alliances between sectors, and launching new productive initiatives. Gómez emphasized that the gathering would convene global leaders from the public, private, and social sectors to drive transformative ideas that positively impact communities.
Hosting the IDB Forum 2025 marks an important step for El Salvador in its ongoing efforts to position itself as a hub for innovation and sustainable economic growth in the region.
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Italy and El Salvador Partner to Empower Communities and Tackle Root Causes of Migration.
The Government of El Salvador and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) awarded over USD $210,000 today to six community initiatives under the SEMILLAS Project, aiming to prevent irregular migration by strengthening local opportunities.
The event was led by Italian Ambassador Paolo Emanuele Rozo Sordini and Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility, Cindy Mariella Portal. “These funds will allow six projects to materialize, promoting development and dignity in our communities,” Portal said.
Among the winners are Fundación Viva Juntos por la Niñez and the Los Conacastes Community Association, with projects focused on safe environments and sports development. Efforts in San Miguel, La Libertad, Santa Ana, and Chalatenango were also recognized, including training programs in footwear manufacturing and improvements to water supply and community centers.
Ambassador Rozo Sordini emphasized that the project’s goals align with Italy’s regional priorities, focusing on youth, women, and environmental care. “This collaboration places people and communities at the center of our cooperation,” he noted.
The event also honored diaspora members supporting development initiatives, with participation from AICS, the International Organization for Migration, and local authorities.
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Long-Term Academic Partnership Between El Salvador and Australia Set to Benefit Future Generations.
El Salvador’s diplomatic mission in Canberra and the University of Queensland in Brisbane recently held a virtual ceremony to sign an agreement extending their academic internship program.
The initiative supports the embassy’s agenda in political, diplomatic, cultural, and economic matters. Ambassador Ernesto Antonio Dueñas Azucena and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Brett Lovegrove led the event.
“The signing of this agreement demonstrates the importance of education as a strategic global pillar and the strong ties we maintain with the University of Queensland to benefit Salvadoran students,” said Ambassador Dueñas.
The meeting highlighted the contributions made by University of Queensland students in areas such as culture, education, economy, and diplomacy, while also opening new opportunities in agriculture, environment, health, and tourism.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Lovegrove thanked El Salvador for its commitment and expressed the university’s interest in expanding student exchanges, scholarships, and joint research. “This agreement will help us strengthen cultural, cooperation, and political relations between El Salvador and Australia,” he said.
The embassy is preparing to welcome a new group of students who will contribute to El Salvador’s development and foster stronger cultural understanding with Australia.
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Agricultural Growth in El Salvador: Over 1,300 Acres Under Cultivation.
The Government of El Salvador, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), continues to promote national crop production as part of its strategy to achieve food sovereignty and strengthen the local economy.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Óscar Domínguez recently highlighted the success of these efforts, announcing that Russet potatoes—harvested for the first time in El Salvador—are now available at the Central de Abastos and Agromercados across the country. Domínguez emphasized that the potato harvest is being carried out in a staggered manner to ensure a consistent supply throughout the year.
Strategic cultivation areas have been identified in regions such as Santa Ana, Sonsonate, Arambala, Nahuaterique, and Las Pilas, where the conditions favor the growth of new potato varieties like Russet, Bellini, Arizona, and CalWhite. These initiatives are part of broader efforts covering more than 1,300 acres of farmland and supported by over 730 protected structures, including greenhouses and net houses.
“We are making great strides in agriculture. This administration, under President Nayib Bukele, is the only one that has provided a real boost to our productive sectors,” said Deputy Minister Domínguez.
Through these initiatives, El Salvador demonstrates its commitment to strengthening its agricultural sector and ensuring food security for its population.
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El Salvador Launches University Scholarship Program for Youth in the East.
The Government of El Salvador has launched a new initiative aimed at expanding educational opportunities for young people in the eastern part of the country. Alejandro Gutman, ad-honorem president of the Directorate of Integration, visited future high school graduates on the islands of Meanguera del Golfo and Zacatillo to present the Formative Process program, which will allow students to apply for university scholarships.
Following the announcement by President Nayib Bukele, the Formative Process is being implemented nationwide to foster academic, technical, and vocational training for Salvadoran youth. «We are building the future of this generation and many who have not yet been born,» said Gutman. He emphasized the need to engage deeply with local communities to activate their potential and enable young people to be part of the «Salvadoran flourishing.»
Over the weekend, Gutman met with 200 school principals in San Miguel to explain the program’s implementation. He later traveled to La Unión, visiting the islands of Meanguera del Golfo and Zacatillo, where he spent time with students and educational authorities. «I am very happy, not only because of the island’s beauty but because I have met wonderful students who justify any kind of struggle,» Gutman stated.
The Formative Process offers graduating students pathways to pursue higher education, technical certifications, or vocational courses, creating new opportunities for communities traditionally limited by economic challenges.
For residents like Santiago Villalobos, a father from Meanguera del Golfo who only completed second grade due to financial hardship, the program represents hope for the next generation. «There are many children here who desperately need to continue their studies at a university,» he said.
Teachers, including José Raúl Cortez of the Meanguera del Golfo Educational Complex, acknowledge the significant impact of the program. «Previously, few students had the chance to attend university. With this opportunity, young people are more motivated to continue moving forward,» Cortez explained.
Through initiatives like the Formative Process, the Government of El Salvador continues to invest in education and local development, offering new pathways to success for communities across the country.
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Panchimalco in El Salvador Redefines Its Future Through Peace, Tourism, and Family Reunification.
Once considered one of the most dangerous municipalities in the country, Panchimalco is now embracing a new era of peace, tourism, and community rebuilding. Thanks to sustained security measures, the historic town south of San Salvador is reclaiming its place as a cultural and tourist landmark.
Known for its rich indigenous heritage, iconic sites like the Devil’s Gate, and the 16th-century Santa Cruz de Roma parish, Panchimalco is experiencing a renaissance. Until just a few years ago, the threat of gang violence deterred visitors and forced many families to abandon their homes. Between 2014 and 2015, Panchimalco ranked among the ten most dangerous cities in El Salvador, contributing significantly to national homicide rates.
However, since the implementation of the state of emergency on March 27, 2022, law enforcement has taken full control of the 14 cantons that make up the district. More than 800 gang members were arrested during the first year of the crackdown, with continued operations leading to further detentions and convictions throughout 2024.
Father Adonay Orellana, parish priest of Santa Cruz de Roma, emphasized the transformation: “Security is a fact; Panchimalco is now a safe municipality.” He highlighted the return of families who had previously fled violence. In Azacualpa, a hamlet that had dwindled to just nine families due to gang threats, displaced residents are now coming back, reclaiming homes, farms, and their livelihoods.
Tourists are also rediscovering Panchimalco. «We have felt very welcomed, especially with the security,» said visitor Zúniga. Another tourist, Guzmán, added, «It is super peaceful and safe; we would recommend it to anyone who wants to visit this beautiful town.»
Despite remarkable improvements, local leaders stress the need to promote tourism and develop new community projects to fully capitalize on the town’s safer environment. Parish schools, now serving nearly 800 students, have reopened their doors to a generation previously deprived of educational opportunities.
The National Civil Police (PNC) and the Armed Forces continue to guarantee tranquility. Recent high-profile arrests, such as the capture of gang leader Nelson Alfredo Osegueda Guzmán, alias «Diablo,» reaffirm the government’s commitment to maintaining peace.
As Panchimalco moves forward, its residents, supported by strengthened security, are determined to build a future rooted in tradition, tourism, and hope.
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San Salvador Centro Strengthens Its Position as a Model for Latin American Cities.
San Salvador Centro continues to consolidate its status as a regional benchmark for urban revitalization, citizen security, and public space recovery, inspiring city leaders and law enforcement agencies across Latin America.
Through active participation in regional and international forums, such as the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities (UCCI), San Salvador Centro has showcased its transformative initiatives. Representatives from cities in Peru, Paraguay, and Panama have expressed interest in replicating the Salvadoran capital’s strategies to improve their own municipalities.
Emilio Campos, general representative of the Junín region in Peru, highlighted the immediate impact of witnessing the changes firsthand. «I called my mayor and the general manager to inform them of the progress we have seen here. Undoubtedly, we are going to make changes in our municipality and ordinances,» he stated, noting specific plans to address challenges such as street vending, traffic regulation, and informal transport services.
San Salvador Centro’s international influence was further reinforced during the XI Meeting of the UCCI Sectoral Committee for Economic Development held in Cádiz, Spain. Manuel Rodríguez Joachín, Director of International Relations for the Municipality of San Salvador Centro, emphasized the significance of such participation: «San Salvador’s presence is essential to consolidate its regional leadership, exchange valuable knowledge, strengthen international cooperation, and project a positive image in Ibero-America,» he said.
During a UCCI event hosted in El Salvador, Sandra Díaz, a representative from the Municipality of Asunción, Paraguay, expressed her admiration for San Salvador’s progress. «I am extremely impressed by the city and the model implemented. My city asked me to bring these ideas back for adoption,» she shared.
San Salvador Centro’s success story continues to serve as a source of inspiration for urban development strategies throughout Latin America.
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El Salvador Sees Significant Decrease in Food Prices.
President Nayib Bukele has announced a significant decrease in the prices of basic food products across El Salvador, crediting the nationwide implementation of farmers’ markets for this positive development. The initiative has enabled Salvadorans to access fresh produce at fairer prices compared to traditional markets and supermarkets.
In a recent social media post, President Bukele illustrated the impact with clear examples: «Just a few months ago, four tomatoes cost $1; now you can buy up to 25 tomatoes for $1 at farmers’ markets,» he stated. He also highlighted that while potatoes previously cost $1.30 per pound less than a year ago, farmers’ markets now offer three pounds for just $1.
“There are different prices depending on where you decide to buy, but it cannot be denied that in recent months the price of the basic food basket has dropped,” Bukele affirmed. His message was accompanied by a video showing the lower prices available in these markets.
Currently, 56 farmers’ markets operate across the country’s 14 departments, providing daily access to affordable and fresh food. President Bukele emphasized that this downward trend in prices is expected to continue, even with the upcoming increase in the minimum wage.
In a related move, Bukele recently proposed a 12% minimum wage increase to the National Minimum Wage Council, scheduled to take effect in June 2025. “And it will continue to drop, despite the increase in the minimum wage [which, by the way, was already necessary],” the president added.
This development is part of broader efforts by the Salvadoran government to strengthen food security and improve the standard of living for its citizens.
