Backgrounder: Previous Summits of the Americas

Backgrounder: Things to watch at 5th Summit of the Americas

    PORT OF SPAIN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday called on the countries in the Americas to deal with the current economic crisis in a sustainable manner.

    "Let the Americas be guided by a spirit of global solidarity. Let us be good neighbors," he told 34 leaders attending the 5th Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon waves while leaving the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, the main venue of the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, April 18, 2009. Ban Ki-moon on Saturday called on the countries in the Americas to deal with the current economic crisis in a sustainable manner during the summit. (Xinhua/Juan Carlos Hernandez) Photo Gallery>>>

    Ban Ki-moon stressed that the crisis requires leaders to protect the most vulnerable, and to do so by preserving environmental sustainability.

    If not managed properly, the economic crisis can evolve into a total political crisis and incite public angry that they have lost faith in their leaders and their future, Ban said.

    To this end, governments should take "new multilateralism” as the foundation of prosperity and sustainability for all.

    On the issue of Cuba, the UN chief said he has "noted with interest the change of direction by the new U.S. administration."

    "It is a sign of changing times, of fresh winds blowing, in ways large and small," he said.

    Speaking at the start of the three-day event, U.S. President Barack Obama said he is seeking a "new beginning" in relationship with Cuba, the only country in the Americas excluded from the summit.

    "I am prepared to have my administration engage with the Cuban government on a wide range of issues -- from drugs to migration and economic issues to human rights, free speech and democratic reform," Obama said.