Para Los Niños: Latin Stars Hold Charity Concerts

Dozens of Spanish-speaking pop stars, including Shakira and Ricky Martin, are performing at the two events being held simultaneously in Argentina and Mexico.

Proceeds will go to the Latin America in Solidarity Action (Alas) charity.

"Imagine what Latin America could achieve if we invest in developing the potential of these children," Shakira said earlier this week.

"The funny thing is that Latin America produces three times what it needs to feed its population. So, it is doable, we can really eradicate poverty," the Colombian singer said.

Swathed in showbiz glamour, the philanthropic-promotional project will culminate this afternoon with two free all-star concerts, one in the Zócalo, or massive central plaza, of the Mexican capital, the other in the Costanera Sur, an ecological reserve on the edge of downtown Buenos Aires.

"What's very inspiring is to see Latin America for the first time in charge of its own issues," said Shakira, the polyglot 31-year-old chanteuse who for years has helped children through her own Barefoot Foundation and lately has been keeping company with the likes of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick.