The Council of the Private Sector for Educational Assistance (CoSPAE) and the Panama Canal Authority have signed a five-year Cooperation Agreement aimed at developing initiatives that will benefit communities located near the Panama Canal Watershed. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting sustainable development through joint efforts focused on social and environmental impact.
According to the agreement, both institutions will work on specific projects related to environmental protection, community development, education, culture, and the overall well-being of people, all framed within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives will be carried out in communities within the watershed as well as in other parts of the country. The agreement was signed by Carmen Sealy de Broce, President of CoSPAE, and Ilya Espino de Marotta, Deputy Administrator of the Panama Canal.
The joint projects will be implemented according to the strategies, capacities, and regulations of each organization, while respecting the legal framework that governs both parties. As part of the collaboration, CoSPAE will also train ACP corporate volunteer leaders in the use of its digital platforms, Marca tu Rumbo and Conecta, with the goal of strengthening youth participation and expanding the impact of volunteer initiatives linked to sustainable development.
CoSPAE President Carmen Sealy de Broce said the agreement aligns closely with the organization’s strategic vision of promoting the personal and professional development of young people while strengthening capabilities in sustainability and social responsibility. She noted that the partnership with the Panama Canal will help channel resources and expertise into joint projects that encourage environmental awareness, knowledge, and community growth.
For her part, Ilya Espino de Marotta emphasized that the agreement opens new opportunities for cooperation in areas that are essential to education and national development. She also highlighted that, beyond its institutional value for the Canal, the alliance represents a long-term investment in sustainability, particularly as the Canal prepares for a future generational transition in which a significant portion of its workforce is expected to retire over the next decade.
The agreement directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through responsible water use, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through environmental protection initiatives, and SDG 4 (Quality Education) through training and awareness programs in communities. It also contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening collaboration among different stakeholders to foster a more inclusive and sustainable future.
