The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert R. Ramdin, will lead a high-level delegation of regional and international partners to Haiti from August 16 to 19, 2026, for a mission aimed at demonstrating support for the Haitian people and institutions at a critical juncture in Haitian-led efforts to restore stability, strengthen governance, advance the electoral process, address urgent humanitarian needs, and lay the foundations for sustainable development. The delegation will include CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett.
The visit comes at an important moment for Haiti, as national authorities work to improve security conditions and prepare for presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 13, 2026.
Secretary General Ramdin will be accompanied by representatives of a broad range of regional and international institutions whose mandates and capabilities can contribute to Haiti's recovery. The delegation is expected to include representatives of the United Nations; the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO); the World Bank; the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF); the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB); and the Inter-American Defense College (IADC).
By bringing these institutions together in Haiti, the mission seeks to translate international solidarity into stronger coordination and concrete support for priorities identified by Haitians themselves.
"Haiti is at a decisive moment. The responsibility for Haiti's future belongs first and foremost to the Haitian people, but the international community has a responsibility to stand with them with unity, urgency and concrete support. Our purpose in coming to Haiti together is not simply to demonstrate solidarity, but to continue strengthening coordination and help deliver results-in security, elections, institutional strengthening, humanitarian needs and long-term development," said Secretary General Ramdin.
During the visit, Secretary General Ramdin and the delegation are expected to meet with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship Raina Forbin, other senior members of the Haitian Government, and authorities responsible for security and the organization of elections.
The delegation is also expected to engage with the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) on preparations for the electoral process, as well as with senior representatives of the Haitian National Police (HNP) and international security partners on efforts to restore state authority and protect the population.
During the visit, Secretary General Ramdin is expected to sign a cooperation agreement with the Government of Japan at the headquarters of Haiti's National Office of Identification (ONI) in support of the project for Improvement of Access to Social Services in Haiti. The agreement will establish a framework for Japanese economic cooperation, implemented by the OAS, to strengthen access to essential social services and support Haiti's economic and social development.
A second agreement will be signed with the Brazilian NGO Viva Rio to establish a framework for collaboration in support of social inclusion, social cohesion, and community-based development initiatives in Haiti, in the framework of the OAS-led project "Increasing Social Cohesion and Countering Gang Violence in Haiti" with support from Global Affairs Canada. With activities to be implemented in close coordination with the Government of Haiti and the United Nations, the partnership will promote access to psychosocial support, skills development, and economic opportunities, with a particular focus on strengthening the resilience and capabilities of youth and women and expanding pathways to employment.
Secretary General Ramdin will also visit the headquarters of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), where he will meet with the heads of the three United Nations missions and operations in Haiti: Carlos Gabriel Ruiz Massieu, head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH); Jack Christofides, Special Representative for the Gang Suppression Force; and Daniela Kroslak, head of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) and GSF Force Commander Major Genera Erdenebat Batsuuri. The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss coordination among international partners in support of Haitian-led efforts to improve security and stability.
The mission will conclude with consultations among the participating institutions to identify possible areas of follow-up and strengthened cooperation in support of Haiti's transition, recovery and long-term development.
On Wednesday morning, August 19, Secretary General Ramdin will hold a press conference before departing Haiti. Additional information regarding the time and location of the press conference will be provided separately.
Reference: AVI-081/26
