AGP Executive Report

Adolescent Mothers Support: Fundación Naho is backing Paraguayan teen mothers in Asunción’s Bañado Sur with education, training, mental health help and entrepreneurship—since 2017 it has supported 1,100+ young women, with 64 completing the full program and 24 landing formal jobs. City Clean-Up Push: Asunción is stepping up its Vertedero Clandestino Cero drive, targeting 100+ illegal dumping sites; the latest operation near Laguna Las Garzas aims to restore the area and eventually turn it into a community football pitch. Film & Culture: Paraguay’s horror drama La Sombra released its trailer ahead of an Oct. 1 cinema premiere, while the national “Guardianes del Patrimonio” contest is underway, inviting kids to recreate Asunción’s historic sites in Minecraft Education. Energy & Business: Energías Paraguay 2026 (Oct. 1) will bring energy firms and officials to Asunción to discuss fuels, renewables, electric mobility and payment systems. Heritage in the Making: Students can register for the Minecraft heritage competition until early November, with guided tours and training already underway. International Spotlight: Paraguay is among countries backing OAS calls to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate. Gold Trafficking Probe: Paraguay uncovered a suspected international gold route—Operation Aurelia led to raids in Asunción and arrests tied to high-purity gold shipments believed to move via Panama toward overseas markets.

UN Diplomacy & Gaza: The UN General Assembly debate sharpened global divisions over Gaza, with Israel and Palestinian leadership delivering irreconcilable accounts and delegations walking out amid calls for arms limits, sanctions and settlement trade restrictions. OAS & Haiti Security: 32 OAS member states, including Paraguay, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back it with funding, equipment and logistics. Paraguay Energy & Heritage: Paraguay will host Energías Paraguay 2026 in Asunción on Oct. 1, focusing on fuels, renewables, electric mobility and payment systems; meanwhile, Senatur’s “Guardianes del Patrimonio” launches a Minecraft Education contest to recreate Asunción’s historic centre (registration open until early Nov.). Local Culture & Music: Asunción’s Historic Centre holds a weekend of free concerts and exhibitions, including a tribute to violinist Lorenzo Álvarez. Crime Probe: Paraguay says it uncovered an international gold trafficking network, raiding nine locations and arresting four people.

Energy & Business: Paraguay will host Energías Paraguay 2026 – Foro & Expo B2B on Oct. 1 in Asunción, with free registration, bringing together authorities and companies to discuss fuels, biofuels, electricity, renewables, electric mobility and payment systems. Heritage & Education: The “Guardianes del Patrimonio” Minecraft Education contest is underway until Nov. 6, inviting students ages 7–18 to recreate Asunción’s historic centre, with training and guided tours led by Senatur. Culture & Sustainability: Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra of Cateura is touring the Bay Area, turning landfill trash into instruments and using music to open doors for kids from Cateura. Public Safety & Justice: Authorities say they uncovered an international gold trafficking network, raiding nine sites in Asunción and arresting four people in “Operation Aurelia.” Environment & Power: Yacyretá warns El Niño rains could double Paraná River inflows versus historical averages, though that may not automatically boost electricity generation. Travel & Visas: A guide lists which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, with rules varying by passport and stay length.

Gold Trafficking Crackdown: Paraguay says it uncovered an international gold route, raiding nine locations in Asunción and nearby cities, arresting four people and seizing 22 kg of highly refined gold believed to have come from illegal Brazilian mines, with shipments allegedly routed via Panama toward Turkey. Sustainable Forestry Investment: JP Morgan Natural Capital and Paraguay announced a $200 million plan for sustainable forestry, including commercial forests, native restoration, and potential revenue from timber and carbon credits, with deployment expected early next year. Water & El Niño Watch: Yacyretá warns El Niño rains could push Paraná River inflows to as much as double the historical average, though officials say that may not translate into higher electricity generation. Regional Security Politics: Paraguay is among countries backing the “Shield of the Americas” push targeting 24 armed groups, with critics arguing it’s also about broader geopolitical influence. Travel & Visas: A guide highlights which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, with rules varying by passport and stay length. Culture in Asunción: The Historic Centre hosts a weekend of concerts, exhibitions, and family activities, including tributes tied to Paraguayan music.

Sustainable Investment: Paraguay’s Office of the President and J.P. Morgan Asset Management announced a roughly $200 million sustainable forestry platform at the Paraguay Investment Forum NYC 2026, aiming to build commercial forests, restore native areas, and generate value via timber, carbon credits, and wood products, with deployment expected in early 2027. Regional Security: The Shield of the Americas coalition named 24 criminal groups for sanctions and visa restrictions, including Colombia’s FARC dissidents, ELN, and Clan del Golfo, with Paraguay among the endorsing governments. Diplomacy at UNGA: Israel’s Netanyahu delivered a combative UN General Assembly speech amid walkouts, while the U.S. denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa—keeping the Gaza and ICC/IJC disputes front and center. Culture & Heritage: Paraguay’s National Library marked its 139th anniversary, and Asunción’s Historic Centre launched a weekend of concerts and exhibitions, including tributes tied to national music heritage. Travel Info: A guide lists which nationalities can enter Paraguay visa-free in 2026, with rules varying by passport and stay length.

UN Spotlight on Gaza: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu used his UN General Assembly address to call genocide allegations “the biggest lie of the century,” as dozens of delegations walked out before he spoke. UN Visa Clash: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a pre-recorded message after the U.S. denied him a visa, calling Israel’s campaign in Gaza “genocidal war.” Paraguay Investment Push: At the Paraguay Investment Forum NYC 2026, Paraguay’s Office of the President and J.P. Morgan Asset Management announced about $200M for a sustainable forestry platform, with Grupo Robinson, targeting timber, carbon credits, and local processing starting in early 2027. Climate Watch for Paraguay: “Super Niño” conditions could boost rainfall across southern Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina, raising Paraná River flows and affecting Yacyretá operations and downstream flood risk. Regional Security: The “Shield of the Americas” coalition backed sanctions and visa restrictions against 24 criminal groups, including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, with Paraguay among endorsers. Culture & Talent: Paraguayan designer Simón Villalba won Best Custom Fashion Designer at Runway 7 Fashion Awards in New York, and TEDxUC Asunción is set for 26 Sept at Puerto de Asunción.

UN Diplomacy: Paraguay President Santiago Peña urged a “democratic transition” for Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Haiti during UNGA, saying Paraguay won’t be a bystander and citing its own experience after the Stroessner dictatorship. Regional Security: The “Shield of the Americas” coalition moved from plans to action, with 14 countries including Paraguay backing coordinated sanctions against 24 narco-terrorist groups, including asset freezes and visa restrictions. Cross-border Crime: Brazil’s seizures of contraband weight-loss injections linked to Paraguay surged sharply, with demand driven by social media and organized smuggling routes. Tech & Piracy Crackdown: Operation LUMEN led by Peru’s IP authority, with Paraguay’s DINAPI participating, blocked 317 stream-ripping and malware-linked sites across several countries. Business & Tourism: Hotel investment is pushing beyond Asunción as international chains like Days Inn and NH expand in Paraguay, while Minor Hotels and Grupo Petra signed deals for new development and management. Culture & Education: TEDxUC Asunción brings 11 Paraguayan voices to explore “Exploring the Peripheries,” and Paraguayan designer Simón Villalba won Best Custom Fashion Designer at a New York Fashion Week awards gala.

Operation LUMEN: Paraguay’s DINAPI is joining a regional push led by Peru’s INDECOPI to block 317 stream-ripping and piracy-linked domains, including 44 tied to malware, after the sites drew about 15 million visits a month and 5.4 million unique visitors over the past year. UN diplomacy: President Santiago Peña used the UN General Assembly to call for a “democratic transition” in Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Haiti, arguing Paraguay won’t just watch crises unfold. Shield of the Americas: Paraguay is part of the US-led coalition formed to hit narco-terrorist networks, with members signaling asset freezes, visa restrictions and criminal liability targeting 24 groups. Local society & education: Paraguayan health workers and teachers are both reported to be pushing for higher wages and better education funding. Culture & community: Asunción is seeing growing international interest, with the city ranked among the world’s fastest-growing digital nomad destinations, while Expo Kambuchi 2026 spotlights Tobatí crafts and artisan Daniela González. Sports & science: A Paraguay-linked biodiversity effort is expanding camera-trap mammal monitoring, and judo fans are celebrating the South American Games’ run in Rosario.

Shield of the Americas, UNGA diplomacy: Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña is in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly as the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” pushes a tougher line against drug trafficking and organized crime, including a push for sanctions on 24 “narco-terrorist” groups; Paraguay is among the countries backing the coalition’s asset-freeze and visa-restriction plans. Health workers protest: Paraguay’s health workers staged a protest at the Ministry of Public Health demanding a 50% salary increase and a clearer healthcare career path for about 45,000 staff. Visa deal with Saudi Arabia: Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano met Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan in New York and signed an agreement exempting diplomatic and special passport holders from short-stay visa requirements. Tourism push for Iberá: Corrientes and Paraguay’s Senatur advanced a joint tourism agenda to boost international visitors to the Esteros del Iberá, including multilingual promotion. Culture and education: Expo Kambuchi 2026 (Sept 25–27) will spotlight Tobatí artisan Daniela González, while ñandutí artisan Elena Iwatani donated 1,000 instructional books to schools and libraries. Local economy & society: Asunción is ranked among the world’s fastest-growing digital nomad cities (+40% arrivals), and Paraguay’s youth face ongoing gaps in education, poverty, and health insurance.

Hemispheric Security: President Trump pushed the US-led “Shield of the Americas” to sanction 24 criminal networks, with Paraguay among the coalition states backing asset freezes and visa limits. Diplomacy Reset: Venezuela and Paraguay relaunched bilateral ties in Caracas, agreeing on a shared agenda covering trade, energy, consular support, and joint action against organized crime. Tourism & Environment: Corrientes and Paraguay launched a joint agenda to boost tourism around the Esteros del Iberá, including new multi-language promotion and plans to use Asunción’s air links. Paraguay Economy: The maquila sector crossed US$1 billion in cumulative exports for 2026, with MIC citing 40,000 jobs and 26% growth so far this year. Culture & Education: Ñandutí artisan Elena Iwatani donated 1,000 instructional books to Paraguayan schools and libraries, while youth data highlights poverty and low health coverage among ages 15–29. Food Spotlight: Vori Vori reclaimed the top spot as the world’s best soup in TasteAtlas’ latest ranking.

Cultural Heritage: Ñandutí artisan Elena Iwatani donated 1,000 copies of her instructional ñandutí book to schools and libraries nationwide, aiming to pass on the traditional “spider’s web” lace craft to a new generation. Education & Youth: Paraguay’s Youth Day data highlights gaps for ages 15–29: 14.4% live in poverty, only 24.9% have health insurance, and officials point to expanded scholarships and training—5,000 extra higher/technical study places in 2026. Public Health: PAHO and Gilead announced wider access to lenacapavir for HIV prevention via regional revolving funds, including procurement access for Paraguay. Diplomacy: Paraguay and Venezuela launched a new phase of diplomatic and consular relations after President Santiago Peña met Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, with cooperation on trade, energy, consular help, and security. Economy: Paraguay’s maquila sector crossed US$1 billion in cumulative 2026 exports, with 26% growth and 40,000 jobs reported by the industry ministry. Tech & AI: Taiwan-Paraguay’s digital forum spotlighted AI governance and cooperation, with Paraguay’s deputy digital affairs minister calling for long-term work with Taiwan. Food & Tourism: Vori Vori again topped TasteAtlas’s world soup ranking, reinforcing Paraguay’s culinary spotlight.

Diplomacy Reset: Paraguay and Venezuela have launched a new phase in ties after President Santiago Peña met Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, agreeing on renewed diplomatic and consular relations plus cooperation on trade, energy, consular support, and tackling transnational organized crime. AI for Productivity: The IDB convened heads of state and tech leaders in New York to push a regional roadmap for safe, responsible AI adoption in Latin America and the Caribbean, warning that outcomes hinge on skills, institutions, and data systems. Education & AI Use: A study of more than 1,000 Paraguayan university students finds many see AI as a fast way to get answers, raising concerns about originality and critical thinking—urging schools to teach judgment, not just outputs. Economy—Maquila Surge: Paraguay’s maquila sector has crossed US$1 billion in exports for 2026 so far, with 26% growth and about 40,000 jobs, as firms expand and diversify markets. Culture & Community: Asunción’s Kaffe’i coffee shop placed 95th in South America’s 100 Best for a second straight year, while Paraguay’s theatre scene celebrated Premios Edda de los Ríos, with Barrunto taking top honors. Local Heritage: Restoration of San Blas Cathedral in Ciudad del Este began after a February fire, with safety upgrades and a planned reopening in February 2027.

Paraguay-Venezuela Diplomacy: President Santiago Peña’s Caracas visit kicked off a “new phase” in ties, with both governments pledging open dialogue and renewed cooperation, while Paraguay’s contested PDVSA oil debt remains unresolved. Maquila Boom: Paraguay’s maquila sector crossed US$1 billion in exports in just eight months of 2026, up 26%, with 40,000 jobs and Brazil plus Mercosur as key markets. Humanitarian Aid Link: The UAE sent earthquake relief to Colombia using Paraguay’s production and logistics, with Paraguayan officials highlighting the regional partnership. Asunción City Profile: Asunción climbed 22 places in the Global Cities Index 2026, ranking 446th worldwide and 17th in South America. Church Restoration: San Blas Cathedral in Ciudad del Este began restoration after a February fire, aiming to reopen 3 Feb 2027 with upgraded safety systems. Culture & Arts: Theatre awards crowned “Barrunto” with three prizes at Premios Edda 2026, while spring celebrations spotlight Paraguay’s mburucuyá flower and Youth Day. Health & Industry: Sandoz and mAbxience agreed on an emicizumab biosimilar partnership, with manufacturing planned in Argentina and Spain.

Diplomacy Reset: Paraguay and Venezuela officially kicked off a “new phase” in relations after President Santiago Peña’s Caracas visit, agreeing to deepen dialogue, trade, and technical cooperation—while the long-running PDVSA oil debt remains a live issue. Humanitarian Aid: The UAE dispatched $10 million in urgent earthquake relief to Colombia, with supplies bought in Paraguay and shipped via regional logistics, supporting local suppliers as aid reaches affected communities. City Watch: Asunción climbed 22 spots in the Global Cities Index 2026, ranking 446th worldwide and 17th in South America, with Oxford Economics pointing to areas Paraguay’s capital can strengthen. Rebuilding in Ciudad del Este: Restoration of San Blas Cathedral began after the February fire, with new safety systems planned and a reopening set for Feb. 3, 2027. Culture & Arts: British extreme metal band Carcass will play Asunción on Nov. 30, while emerging director Enzo Szarán is set to debut a new theatre work in September. Indigenous Heritage: Paraguay honored three Aché women as “Living National Treasures” for preserving basketry and traditional knowledge.

Paraguay–Venezuela Diplomacy: President Santiago Peña wrapped up a working visit to Caracas, where he met Delcy Rodríguez and the two sides signed a joint statement to strengthen ties and set a new roadmap for cooperation. Local Governance & Culture: Asunción climbed 22 spots in the Global Cities Index 2026, now ranked 446th worldwide, with Oxford Economics pointing to strengths and areas to improve across economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance. Heritage Restoration: Ciudad del Este’s San Blas Cathedral restoration began after the February fire, with new safety systems planned and a reopening targeted for 3 February 2027. Education & Labor: Paraguayan teachers launched a strike demanding higher salaries and a better education budget. Indigenous Culture: The National Secretariat of Culture named three Aché women from Alto Paraná as Living National Treasures for preserving basketry and traditional knowledge. Sports: Venezuela’s U-15 women’s team won the CONMEBOL Evolution League after a 4-1 penalty shootout win over Paraguay at CARFE in Ypané. Entertainment: British extreme metal band Carcass announced its first Paraguay show on 30 November 2026 in Asunción.

Diplomacy in Motion: Paraguayan President Santiago Peña wrapped up a working visit to Venezuela and signed a joint statement with Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, as both sides outlined a new roadmap to strengthen binational ties. Regional Conservation: A massive school of dorados is moving along the Paraná River, prompting Corrientes to impose a dynamic, shifting fishing ban to protect the fish as they migrate. Education Pressure: Teachers in Asunción and across Paraguay launched strike actions demanding an 8% wage increase, more education funding, and fixes for school infrastructure, after rejecting a government deal with a minority union sector. Culture & Heritage: Paraguay’s National Secretariat of Culture named three Aché women from Alto Paraná as Living National Treasures for preserving traditional basketry and intangible knowledge. International Mobility: New Zealand published a list of 25 transit visa waiver countries, including Paraguay, though travelers still need an NZeTA. Sports & Entertainment: Punk fans in Asunción are gearing up for Michale Graves’ concert at Vöudevil Venue on Sept. 20, while Paraguay’s Berta Rojas earned three Latin Grammy nominations for “La Huella de las Cuerdas.”