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Shakira has called for a "definite commitment" to the children of Latin America during a high-profile meeting with five of the region's presidents.
The singer, who was accompanied by fellow musician Alejandro Sanz, talked to the leaders in New York.
She said: "I am very happy to have gathered for the first time with five presidents of Latin America to discuss early childhood development (ECD).
"This is one of our most critical issues and one of the issues that need to be discussed more often in our continent if we want to have prosperous nations with equal opportunities for everyone.
"The presidents seem very committed and that's what we need. We need all the leaders of Latin America to have a definite commitment toward our children because the children of Latin America are waiting for opportunities."
Shakira and Sanz are members of América Latina en Acción Solidaria (ALAS), a non-profit organisation founded by Latin American artists to encourage the support of ECD programmes.
