The Permanent Representative of Colombia to the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Ernesto Vargas, today assumed the Chair of the OAS Permanent Council, a position he will hold until March 31, 2026.
During the ceremony held at the Organization's headquarters in Washington, D.C., Ambassador Vargas stated: "During our term as Chair of the Permanent Council, we will promote a comprehensive approach that links human rights, gender equality, and environmental protection, recognizing that action to address climate change and the promotion of women's rights are essential to advancing more just, sustainable, and inclusive societies in the Americas." He also reaffirmed "our commitment to an agenda that is closer to the realities of the peoples of the Americas, aimed at strengthening peace and multidimensional security, democracy, human rights, and the sustainable development of our hemisphere."
For his part, the outgoing Chair and Permanent Representative of Chile, Tomás Pascual, wished "the greatest success to Ambassador Vargas." He added: "We are experiencing very challenging times for multilateralism in the region, which require the collaboration of all of us so that the OAS can fulfill the role it must play within the framework of democracy, the rule of law, development, and the promotion and respect of human rights," he concluded.
Coincidentally, the Vice Chair of the Permanent Council for the January–March period will be held by the Permanent Representative of Chile, Tomás Pascual.
The Chair of the Permanent Council rotates every three months among the member states of the Organization, in alphabetical order. The Vice Chair also rotates every three months, in reverse alphabetical order.
Reference: FNE-144623
