Video: Highlights of the 43rd Annual Washington Conference on the Americas

Vice President Joe Biden joined the 43rd Annual Washington Conference on the Americas to speak on U.S. administration priorities for the hemisphere. The event, co-organized by the Council of the Americas and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs also featured U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano for a conversation about security and immigration reform.

With an engaging format featuring conversational interviews and Davos-style panels, this year's conference gave attendees an overview of the Obama administration's response to Latin America's opportunities and challenges, as well as the region's place in the global economy.

The Council of the Americas honored luncheon keynote speaker Senator John McCain with COA's Chairman's Leadership Award, bestowed by AS/COA Chairman John Negroponte for  the senator's commitment to the promotion of crucial hemispheric affairs such as comprehensive immigration reform and regional economic cooperation.

Panelists also explored what Latin America's growing economies mean on the global stage, with topics ranging from the region's growing middle class to comparisons with Asia.