Sure, there are benefits to in-person meetings. The presidents of the Americas should continue to meet every three years.
But with technology today, they could also hold public or private video chats as often as they want.
So, while maintaining the in-person Summit every three years, why not do a virtual Summit once every year? Get all the presidents in the hemisphere on to a Google Hangout. Have an agenda prepared. Have them talk publicly. Then have them do a few private meetings.
This certainly can apply to other multilateral or even bilateral events. The president of Brazil doesn't need to fly to Colombia to do a bilateral press conference. They could do a virtual one today. The presidents of ALBA don't all need to run to Caracas. They could just set up a multi-person conference.
As I said, I don't think we should replace all in-person meetings. But why aren't there more virtual meetings among high-level officials that include a public component like a press conference? It's completely possible today and should be done.
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