Obama Touts Civil Society During Speech in Panama

US President Barack Obama urged Latin Americans to take part in national policy decisions and stressed that civil society is important for a responsive and effective government during a speech in Panama City, Panama, on April 10. Obama’s comments were made at the Civil Society Forum, a sideline event of the Summit for the Americas, on Friday afternoon.

“We also know that our support for civil society is not just about what we’re against, but also what we’re for. Because we’ve noticed that governments that are more responsive and effective are typically governments where the people are free to assemble, and speak their minds, and petition their leaders, and hold us accountable,” said Obama. Credit: YouTube/The White House