On March 5 this year, Peru's political parties joined with the government and civil society organizations in signing an agreement through which they embarked on an intensive national debate on the country's future.

The purpose is to set national priorities and policies, for everything from fighting poverty to improving transparency and productivity, for the next two decades.

In a March 14 interview, Prime Minister Roberto Dañino said this was the first time in Peru and Latin America that such a national project had been initiated away from political crisis or the threat of terrorism.

The following are excerpts from the interview:
"Especially in the past 40 years, the country has changed policies constantly, and therefore hasn't had the chance of rendering any fruits. That is why we have a country which is so impoverished."

"We would like to find a national consensus on certain policies that will remain in effect for the next 20 years, around the topics of consolidating democracy and the rule of law, making the Peruvian economy competitive in global terms, and implementing educational, nutritional and health policies. "Also in making the government modern, transparent and de-centralized."

"I am very enthused by this process because if successful it will create a horizon of stability for the economic, political and legal framework."

"Half the population is under the poverty line, but Peru is also very torn apart, because of Shining Path, the autocratic nature of the Fujimori regime and tremendous corruption."

"We are trying to bring all Peruvians to work in good faith for the future of the country, whoever is in government. We will agree to some long-term goals which will guide action."

"We have chosen 2021 because it is the 200th anniversary of independence... Long-term objectives are the essence here."