Otto Sonnenholzner

Content created by Virtual Intern  Eden Davenport

As the former Vice President of Ecuador, Otto Sonnenholzner was one of the youngest high-level politicians in his country. While working in the Ecuadorian broadcasting industry, Sonnenholzner was selected for the International Visitor Leadership Visitor (IVLP) on a 2010 investigative journalism project. Through his IVLP exchange, he strengthened his knowledge of the strategies and tools needed to defend freedom of expression.

Sonnenholtzner became president of the the Ecuadorian Broadcasting Association after his IVLP and was a prominent figure in the industry before his election as a national representative of the Ecuadorian government.

When asked about his IVLP, Sonnenholzner said, "This experience consolidated and renewed a collective effort in the defense of democratic values of freedom of expression in Ecuador. With better knowledge of international regulations, we are able to defend and advance the fight for freedom.”

As Ecuador’s 50th Vice President, Otto Sonnenholzner is a young politician seeking to defend and advance the goals of freedom and democracy in Ecuador.