Author: Editorial Team
In a landmark move for the nation’s financial sector, IDB Invest has acted as the anchor investor for the first sustainable bond issuance by Banistmo S.A., one of Panama’s leading banks. This pivotal transaction, aiming to mobilize up to $100 million in the local capital market, represents a significant step forward for sustainable finance and economic resilience in the country. It also marks IDB Invest’s inaugural participation in Panama’s public securities market, signaling strong confidence in the nation’s financial future and its commitment to green and social initiatives. What is a Sustainable Bond and Why Does It Matter? Before diving…
In the remote indigenous territories of Panama, a transformative initiative is challenging deep-seated patriarchal norms. The “My Health, My Body, My Right” campaign, launched in October 2025, is a crucial effort to educate and empower Emberá-Wounaan women and adolescents about their fundamental health rights. Spearheaded by the humanitarian organization HIAS with the support of the Spanish Cooperation (Cooperación Española), this program tackles systemic barriers to healthcare, focusing on sexual and reproductive rights, menstrual hygiene, and mental health support within communities where women have historically been denied a voice.Bridging the Gap: The Core Mission of the Health InitiativeThe campaign operates on…
In a significant show of international support, the president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, publicly congratulated Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for being awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. This prestigious recognition shines a global spotlight on the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Venezuela, drawing supportive reactions from world leaders and dignitaries. The award underscores the power of peaceful, persistent advocacy in the face of authoritarian regimes.Panamanian Leadership Applauds a Champion for DemocracyPresident Mulino’s endorsement was swift and unequivocal. Taking to his social media accounts, the Panamanian leader expressed the collective sentiment of the nation. He…
Keeping track of the cost of living is a primary concern for families and individuals across Panama. A key indicator for this is the Canasta Básica Familiar de Alimentos (CBFa), or the Basic Family Food Basket, which measures the minimum cost of essential food items. In a recent report for September, Panama’s consumer protection agency, Acodeco, revealed a slight decrease in the CBFa’s lowest cost within the districts of Panama and San Miguelito. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Panama basic food basket, exploring price trends, the methodology behind the data, and what these figures mean for your…
In a landmark move that could reshape Panama’s criminal justice landscape, Deputy Ariana Coba has presented a bold proposal to the National Assembly to introduce life imprisonment for homicides committed with extreme cruelty. This initiative to reform the Panamanian Penal Code directly addresses growing public concern over violent crime and seeks to establish the most severe punishment in the country’s legal history. The proposed life imprisonment law targets acts deemed “particularly inhuman, atrocious, or degrading” by the courts, marking a significant departure from the current maximum 35-year sentence. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the proposal, its legal context,…