SAS CEO co-chairs World Economic Forum on Latin America

CARY, NC  (13 aprile 2009)  –  Jim Goodnight, CEO of  business analytics leader SAS, brings a message of hope to the World Economic Forum on Latin America in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that starts on Tuesday, April 14. Quality education, sound public policy decisions, and bold leadership, in Goodnight’s view, will position Latin America for prosperity when the world economy rebounds. It starts, he said in a WEF interview, with education.

“In a world marked by global competition, education is how we will transform societies, enhance quality of life and give real opportunities to young people,” Goodnight said. “Investing in quality education isn’t a luxury. It’s a must, the only lasting key to success.”

A co-chair of the prestigious event, which gathers 500 leaders from more than 35 countries, representing business, government, academia, civil society and media, Goodnight will share his thoughts on the region’s future and its interplay with the globalized economy. In addition to his role as co-chair, he will moderate debates on education, entrepreneurship and the importance of IT to sustain regional and global growth.

“Latin American governments need to work together to produce consistent and sound responses to the crisis,” Goodnight said, “and make sure that the gains of the last year are strengthened by the right policies.” In his interview with the WEF prior to the Rio event, Goodnight warned against cutting expenditures on health, job training and skills development, and vital infrastructure, insisting that these remain a priority for governments in the region. “Once this crisis is over, the pace of globalization will pick up again,” he stated. “It’s imperative that Latin America prepare for the recovery.”