In addition to representatives of OAS member states, the event was attended by the presidents of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo; Honduras, Nasry Asfura; and the host country, José Raúl Mulino. Members of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations, including International IDEA's Panama Programme Manager, were also invited.

The opening session began with remarks by OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin, who emphasized the importance of coordinated action and multilateral cooperation. He highlighted challenges posed by emerging technologies, economic tensions, natural disasters, and organized crime, and called for greater collaboration to strengthen democratic spaces across the region, particularly in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. He also expressed concern about the situation in Bolivia and stressed the importance of closely monitoring the electoral processes in Peru and Colombia.

President José Raúl Mulino recalled the bicentennial commemoration of the Amphictyonic Congress convened by Simón Bolívar in Panama 200 years ago and reaffirmed that cooperation remains the most effective way to address the region's shared challenges. He pointed to issues such as climate change, growing citizen demands, and the impacts of new technologies, while underscoring the situations in Nicaragua and Cuba and advocating for democratic solutions. He also expressed solidarity with Bolivia and proposed sending a mission of foreign ministers to demonstrate support for its government in the face of what he described as attempts by radical groups to destabilize the country.

President Mulino identified insecurity and organized crime as priority concerns requiring coordinated regional responses. In this context, he proposed holding a regional meeting on security and defence, potentially in October.

He also referred to ongoing trade tensions involving China. Finally, he addressed the situation in Venezuela, calling for a swift democratic transition and for a clear electoral timetable.

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