Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Panama City, Panama, from April 9 to 10 to join President Obama at the Seventh Summit of the Americas, which will include participation by all 35 countries in the Western Hemisphere for the first time.

Secretary Kerry will champion collective hemispheric efforts to advance our shared commitments to democracy, human rights, and inclusive economic development. The Secretary will also underscore the importance of engaging with civil society, as well as highlight the importance of increasing student and faculty exchanges, fostering innovation, and addressing climate change.

He will speak at the University Presidents Forum and attend the Civil Society Forum, in addition to participating in various bilateral meetings.

The Secretary will also encourage regional action to address climate change and protect our oceans in a meeting with select foreign ministers.