What Is 2018 Summit of the Americas

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Summit of the Americas was held from April 13–14 in Lima, Peru, bringing together leaders from 35 countries to discuss democratic governance, corruption, and migration, particularly the crisis in Venezuela.

Key Facts

Held from April 13–14, 2018 in Lima, Peru
Hosted by President Martín Vizcarra of Peru
35 countries from the Western Hemisphere attended
Focus on democratic erosion in Venezuela and anti-corruption efforts
Excluded leaders from Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela due to political tensions

Overview

The 2018 Summit of the Americas was the eighth iteration of a biennial meeting of leaders from North, Central, and South America, designed to strengthen regional cooperation. It took place in Lima, Peru, amid rising concerns over democratic backsliding and corruption across Latin America.

The summit emphasized transparency, governance, and the rule of law, with a strong focus on the political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The absence of several key leaders highlighted deepening political divisions across the hemisphere.

April 13–14, 2018 marked the official dates of the summit, hosted at the Lima Convention Center in Peru’s capital city.
Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra served as host, using the platform to advocate for stronger anti-corruption measures across the region.
Representatives from 35 countries attended, including U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, who stood in for President Donald Trump.
Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela were excluded from full participation due to U.S. and regional opposition to their governments’ policies.
The official theme was "Democratic Governance against Corruption," reflecting widespread public demand for institutional integrity.

How It Works

The Summit of the Americas operates under the framework of the Organization of American States (OAS), bringing together elected leaders to coordinate policy and issue joint declarations. Participation and agenda-setting are influenced by geopolitical dynamics and host country priorities.

Term: Biennial Meeting – The summit convenes every two years, rotating among host nations, with planning coordinated through OAS channels and diplomatic consultations.
Term: Democratic Governance – Refers to systems ensuring free elections, civil liberties, and institutional accountability; a core theme due to democratic erosion in Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Term: Anti-Corruption Agenda – Leaders pledged to strengthen judicial independence and transparency, spurred by high-profile scandals like Brazil’s Operation Car Wash.
Term: Regional Isolation – Venezuela was increasingly isolated, with 14 countries issuing the 2018 Lima Declaration rejecting its electoral process.
Term: U.S. Foreign Policy – Vice President Pence emphasized sanctions on Venezuela and criticized China’s growing influence in Latin America.
Term: Civil Society Engagement – Parallel forums allowed NGOs and activists to present recommendations, though critics noted limited impact on final outcomes.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2018 Summit with previous summits in terms of attendance, key issues, and outcomes.

Summit Year	Location	Attendance	Key Issue	Major Outcome
2012	Cartagena, Colombia	34 nations	U.S. embargo on Cuba	U.S. agreed to review Cuba policy
2015	San José, Costa Rica	31 nations	Climate change & inequality	Commitment to Paris Agreement
2018	Lima, Peru	35 nations	Corruption & Venezuela crisis	Lima Declaration on democracy
2001	Quebec City, Canada	34 leaders	Free trade area	Failed FTAA negotiations
2018 Parallel	Los Angeles, USA	35 nations	Migration & security	U.S.-led Prosperity Fund launched

The 2018 summit stood out for its unified stance against authoritarianism, particularly through the Lima Declaration. While past summits focused on economic integration, this meeting prioritized political integrity and human rights, reflecting shifting regional priorities.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Summit of the Americas underscored a turning point in hemispheric diplomacy, where democratic resilience became the central theme. Its outcomes continue to influence regional responses to governance challenges.

14 countries endorsed the Lima Declaration, signaling a coordinated effort to delegitimize Nicolás Maduro’s re-election in Venezuela.
The summit reinforced anti-corruption norms, encouraging countries to adopt OAS-backed monitoring mechanisms and judicial reforms.
U.S. messaging under Pence emphasized hardline policies on migration and socialism, affecting bilateral relations with left-leaning governments.
Civil society groups noted limited progress on indigenous rights and environmental protections despite parallel forums.
The exclusion of Cuba and Nicaragua highlighted ideological rifts within the OAS, raising questions about inclusivity and legitimacy.
Long-term, the summit contributed to regional isolation of Venezuela, paving the way for international sanctions and refugee support initiatives.

While criticized for inconsistent follow-up, the 2018 Summit of the Americas remains a reference point for democratic solidarity in the face of authoritarian trends.