SRF has implemented different projects in Latin America throughout its history, and maintains current programs in a number of countries.  In 1998 SRF launched a hemisphere-wide radio talk show called Mundo 2000 which linked Spanish-speakers from Argentina to Alaska through a weekly call-in format that addressed issues related to sustainable development, environment, energy and health.   The radio program featured guest experts that ranged from scientists to environmental activists to statesmen, and allowed listeners from across the U.S. and Latin American to call in toll-free and participate in the program.

Mundo 2000 aired simultaneously in 14 countries, and reached an estimated 30 million listeners.  The goal of the program was to promote dialogue within Latin American and Latinos in the United States around science and technology, and encourage interest in these areas as well as environmental awareness.  The discussions and information sharing that resulted from the program were impressive. For example, one episode featured environmental activist Julia Butterfly linked into the program by cell phone as she was perched 150 feet off the ground in “Luna”, a redwood tree she was trying to save from logging in Northern California. Her testimony inspired a call from a listener in Cochabamba, Bolivia, who was then inspired to save a rare tree from devastation in the forests of Bolivia. Another episode invited a Latina scientist stationed in Antarctica where she was studying the hole in the ozone on an ice cutter, who had not spoken with anyone but her shipmates for 3 months. She joined the program by satellite phone (a novelty at the time) to share her discoveries with all of Latin America.

The program inspired many Latinos across the hemisphere to pursue interests or careers in science and technology.  One episode of Mundo 2000 featured a U.S.-based Space Shuttle astronaut who told listeners of his experience in space.  During the program he received a call from Lima and the listener asked if he believed that a Peruvian would ever have the chance to ride the space shuttle-to which the astronaut replied “I am a Peruvian who emigrated to the U.S. as a child and studied math.”

Mundo 2000 was the first live, interactive radio program to unify the Americas around a common theme, enabling simultaneous dialogue from regions as diverse as Peru, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Washington State.  While the program is no longer on the air (it was supported in large part by a grant from the National Science Foundation), it serves as a powerful example of SRF’s past and potential work in Latin America.

As in the past, SRF’s current programs in Latin America include public-service campaigns that promote democracy, human rights, and civic participation, with a particular focus on under-represented communities. These programs capitalize on the strengths of diversity and culture, and are designed to inspire stronger communities through examples of empowered decision-making and an engaged civil society. SRF currently provides training and technical assistance in several countries of Latin America so that people can share information with each other in ways that inspire peaceful cooperation, cross-cultural understand, and mutual respect.