Shakira met with the presidents of Mexico, Argentina, El Salvador, Panama and Paraguay in New York this week to discuss a regional accord to help poor children in Latin America. She was there on behalf of the Panama-based ALAS foundation, which works toward improving the education, health and nutrition of children up to six years old.

According to the Associated Press, Shakira voiced her support for the cause, saying, "He who is born poor dies poor, and that must change. This is the stage in which a child's brain develops ... so that tomorrow the child can be a productive member of society. If a child doesn't receive the necessary nourishment and education, he will never have a dignified life. Regrettably, he will be marginalized in poverty forever." Her work seems to be making a difference. Salvadoran President Tony Saca said, "I promised Shakira that in the next summit, which is in El Salvador, we will work on the topic."

According to the ALAS, about 32 million children are born into poverty in Latin America. Spanish superstar Alejandro Sanz -- the guy how romped in the shower with Shakira in her "La Tortura" video -- also appeared at the summit.

Shakira recently signed a deal with international concert promotion company Live Nation, which will now handle her tours, recordings, sponsorship and merchandise. Live Nation will begin handling Shakira's concerts and sponsorships, but her next three albums -- one in English, one in Spanish, and a compilation -- are still under contract with Epic Records.