"Embracing a New Era of Unity for People, Peace and Prosperity"
Goodmorning, goedemorgen, en dank u wel,
Distinguished chair of the Permanent Council
Assistant Secretry General, Mendez
Permanent Representatives,
Permanent Observers,
President of the Inter-American Development Bank,
Other Heads and representatives of Institutions of the Inter-American System,
Heads and representatives of international and regional organizations,
Staff members of the OAS,
My family present here today and those watching this ceremony online,
My dear friends and colleagues, welcome all and thank you for being here,
With your permission I do wish to recognize amongst you the distinguished and seasoned
diplomat from the USA, Ambassador Luigi Einaudi, colleague and friend and our great friend
Ana O'Brien, for many many many years the Chief of Protocol of this august body. I am indeed
honored with your presence.
Friends across the Americas and the Caribbean,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, I assume the office of Secretary General of the Organization of Amerian States with deep humility and firm resolve. I believe in the promise of the organization and the power and potential reach of our shared purpose. And yes, given current circumstances in the world and in our own region, possibly, we need to reimagine and reflect on the original purpose and historical context of the noble ideals this oldest regional organization in the world stands for.
That reimagination will inspire us to go back to what this orginzation used to be.
At the outset, I want to express my sincere appreciation to my predecessor, Luis Almagro, whose commitment to peace, Secretary General Almagro for his contribution to the OAS and for his leadership to create a better hemisphere.
I also take this opportunity to welcome our dear colleague from Colombia, present online, Ambassador Laura Gil, the first female to occupy soon the position of Assistant Secretary
General of this august body. I look forward working with Ambassador Gil and to her contribution and active participation towards the goals which have been set for the OAS to become more effective and efficient.
Friends, our Americas are a mosaic of vibrant diversity and history: from North America's modern cities driven by high tech to the Andes and Amazon's natural majesty in South
America, through the Caribbean's crystal shores and cultural vitality, to the deep roots of ancient civilizations in Central America. That is the diveristy our hemisphere represents, we should never forget that.
La fuerza y el espíritu de nuestro hemisferio residen en nuestra gente, geografía y tradiciones. Estoy honrado por la confianza que todos los Estados Miembros han depositado en mí. Acepto esta responsabilidad con una visión clara de un futuro próspero y unido que podemos construir juntos. Gracias por permitirme servir a los pueblos de las Américas.
Mr. Chair, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to take a moment to pay tribute to our own organization. The Organization of American States is not just an institution or a system of very
valuable specialized organs. IN my view it is the heartbeat of peace, regional cooperation and unity in the Western Hemisphere. In a world filled with division and discord, the OAS embodies the spirit of collaboration based on moral values of respect, equality and opportunity.
The OAS brings together governments, civil society, the private sector and other relevant organizations from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Many have repeatedly stated that if the OAS did not exist today, we would have to create it as soon as possible, for its very essence lies in its ability to transform challenges into opportunities for cooperation and the betterment of the life in our region. The OAS is the proof that united, we are stronger. In today's challenging times, the OAS stands as a beacon of hope, proving that through respectful dialogue and cooperation, we can navigate the complexities of our time. Creating a bright horizon is a responsibility of each and all of us.
Today we stand at historic crossroads. We face unprecedented challenges but also extraordinary opportunities to reshape our hemisphere with courage, cooperation, and conviction. From my decades of work across the Americas and as Assistant Secretary General of this Organization, I've seen the best of our region — a resilient people fighting for their rights,
building stronger communities, creating prosperity through initiative and entrepreneurship and advancing democratic ideals.
But I've also seen the hard truth: democracy threatened, parliaments and electoral processes under pressure, rising violence and insecurity, inequality and discrimination, and the growing threat of organized crime and environmental change, such as sea level rise — especially for small and vulnerable states. The OAS must rise to the needs of the hemisphere. We cannot be passive. We must be bold, relevant, and effective.
Democracy, human rights, security, and development are not just our pillars of work — they are the heartbeats of our hemisphere. This Organization must matter to the people of this region. The people of the Americas and the Caribbean must be informed about all the good our capable staff members do.
The challenges we face require more than words: they demand cooperation, they demand courage, they demand action and for this I rely on the cooperation of member states.
Chair, ladies and gentlemen, an active time it has been the last sixty days. Since you entrusted me with your vote of confidence, on the 10th of March, to become the next Secretary General, I made it a priority to engage in active listening, thoughtful dialogue, and collaborative planning with a wide cross-section of stakeholders.
There have been close to 150 engagements during this transition period, with: Permanent Representatives, leadership from the political and administrative bodies of the OAS, staff
members across all the Secretariats, officials from national governments, experts, civil society leaders, and representatives from the private sector and media.
This period of transition has been dynamic and illuminating. I received detailed insight in the financial standing of the Organization, programmatic priorities, and the critical challenges before us. More importantly, I heard directly from those who live and work within this institution.
These conversations were not merely part of a process—they were foundational and part of charting a new course. They sharpened my understanding, informed my strategy, and affirmed
my commitment to shaping an OAS that is more agile, cost-efficient, responsive, and impactful.
I am grateful to all who shared their time, perspectives, and expertise during this transition, and I expect that we will continue our dialogue throughout my term. We will make sure that we listen to what is happening on the floor.
Our compass must remain fixed on unity, peace, and opportunity. In my first year in office, I will focus on four key areas to strengthen the OAS and advance our mission across the Hemisphere:
(1) a much stronger robust and aligned internal organization, including synergy building communication structures, an amended organogram and revised budget allocation. All proposals requiring the close engagement with the member states.
(2) a more involved and impactful strategic media outreach program, with roles and responsibilities beyond the Secretary General and the Assistant Secretary General, as well as actions in country and with the respective target audiences;
(3) a better aligned and expanded external relations approach, including an updated resource mobilization strategy and more efficient process and financial management of programs and projects and
(4) an action-oriented approach towards immediate needs and political developments, such as Haiti and monitoring developments in Venezuela, and other countries where
elections will take place soon and where the OAS can make a meaningful contribution.
To the first key area: I believe that to serve the people of the hemisphere we need to be a solid, robust, well aligned, united organization within. We have already initiated a comprehensive internal strategy to dismantle silos, foster collaboration, enhance communication, and streamline operations to increase overall effectiveness and efficiency. This coming Monday, and subsequently the first Monday of every month, a cabinet meeting will be held. Secretaries and department heads will be asked to convene regular planning meetings. These are just a few examples of many new regular engagements that will be implemented, aimed at streamlining and aligning our programs and processes.
While engaging with various departments it became apparent that many of the concerns that were raised were recurring topics. Those concerns, processes or grown practices we will
address. We all want a productive and purposeful team and should therefore facilitate job satisfaction, internal communication, roles and responsibilities, career perspectives, and growth of our staff as our collective priority.
A duplication of efforts or overlap of certain areas is the result of the silo's that have formed over time. We must build synergies between the secretariats. To facilitate this process we will implement inter-departmental working groups in four areas which are of importance and in line with the goals and objectives of the organization: private sector, youth, impact of environmental changes, and Haiti. More may be identified in the future.
Distinguised permanent representatives, the General Secretariat workforce is one of the most important assets of the OAS. Without them we are nowhere. The truth of the matter is, that the lack of permanent human and financial capital, complex processes, are having a negative impact on the morale within the organization.
I do look for the cooperation of the member states to address this adequately. And yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am aware, that we also need to better attempt to have an equitable geographic representation within the organization.
I believe in the power of in-person collaboration, and we will explore ways to bring more of our staff together physically to foster teamwork and a renewed sense of unity and camaraderie.
. These efforts are not just about processes; they are about boosting morale, motivation, and shared purpose. They are about appreciating each other as human beings, interacting with each other, learning each other's cultures and traditions.
Para transformar a la OEA en una organización fuerte, efectiva y eficiente, hemos acordado presentar un proceso de reorganización a finales de julio. Esto alineará nuestra estructura con las prioridades estratégicas y sentará las bases para una organización más ágil y orientada a resultados.
Estamos desarrollando un organigrama claro, coherente y efectivo basado en las funciones críticas de la OEA. Esto toma en cuenta las recomendaciones del informe de evaluación externa y las opiniones de los Estados Miembros. Hemos identificado áreas para mejorar la eficiencia y efectividad.
Vamos a reflejar estas mejoras en la nueva estrategia de comunicación interna y en el organigrama. La prioridad de estos dos aspectos será optimizar la organización y aumentar su efectividad. Para lograrlo, será necesario contar con un funcionario de alto nivel dentro de mi oficina que lidere la gestión del cambio requerida.
A change management unit will be needed and added to the OSG, to implement the changes we need to make the organization more efficient and effective. Con esta nueva estructura organizativa, la asignación presupuestaria se realizará de manera más funcional y en línea con las prioridades de la OEA y los objetivos de los Estados Miembros. El presupuesto deberá reflejar nuestras realidades en términos de contribuciones de
los Estados Miembros, Observadores Permanentes y otros donantes.
Los resultados de este proceso guiarán nuestra propuesta de presupuesto para 2026, la cual presentaremos en octubre. La misma se enfocará en sostenibilidad, rendimiento e impacto. En
el centro de estos cambios está el compromiso de asegurar que la OEA esté equipada, tanto en estructura, financiación como en espíritu.
La evaluación externa de la OEA dejó claro que la sostenibilidad financiera no es un tema periférico. La financiación adecuada es esencial para la efectividad y relevancia a largo plazo de la Organización. Sin una base financiera estable, sostenible y diversa, nuestra Organización
no puede cumplir su mandato ni puede responder de manera adecuada a las necesidades cambiantes de nuestra región.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to make use of this momentum, to put on your agenda and suggest a honest discussion about the efficiencies of the political bodies. If agreed to embark
on such an assessment, the following elements may be included, such as agenda setting, the duration of meetings, frequencies, and outcomes.
The second key area of focus for our administration will be media and outreach. To be impactful, the good work - and there is a lot of good work done - must be shared, reported, and
recognized even more. Only then can it be mirrored, expanded, enhanced, and be of even more significance to the American people.
The larger the impact, the better the results. The more exposure, the better perspectives on support, collaboration, partnerships and funding. Modernizing the OAS communications with dynamic content, multi-platform outreach, and participatory tools to boost citizen engagement is important.
As are targeted campaigns, necessary to showcase the OAS's real-world impact. But again, we need to work together, only if we all subscribe to this same idea and agree on a way forward will we make it happen.
I have instructed members of the OSG's cabinet on mission or attending a conference to convey what the OAS is, and stands for, in terms of purpose, strategic goals and results. We must
engage with educational centra, universities, civil society. We must bring the OAS and its intuitions closer to the people of the Americas.
As I mentioned in my opening remark, our strength comes from our people, our diversity in culture, language, traditions, food and spirits. We also will use different and informal channels to increase knowledge and sharing of this cultural diversity we all represent. We know too little about each other's history and culture.
Several activities have been scheduled for this year, including an art festival in early October, an abbreviated version of the Celebration of Spirits of the Americas event in December this year. This event will showcase our culture, music, art, cuisine and spirits. It is also a way to
engage the private sector, and stimulate entrepreneurship, and bring member states closer to each other.
Off course, ladies and gentlemen, none of these key areas can be addressed without having also the discussion which, the third key area centers around: the financial sustainability of the organization and our external relations. I believe that there is an untapped well of external financial resources available, if we can showcase the impact we are and can be making in the hemisphere.
I am of the view that a renewed OAS, as we envision that, requires a solid, diverse, and sustainable financial foundation. This responsibility is shared by all stakeholders—Member States, Permanent Observers, multilateral institutions, the private sector, and civil society— each playing a vital role in securing the resources and partnerships necessary to strengthen our Organization and amplify our collective impact.
To achieve this, I am committed to enhancing our financial foundation through improved management, greater operational efficiency, renewed trust, and strategic resource mobilization
and allocation. We will actively pursue new partnerships across all sectors, including regional development banks, to confront the region's most urgent challenges head-on.
I thank our current partners, especially the Permanent Observers, for their continued support of critical OAS programs advancing democracy, human rights, security, and development, and I will further strengthen and expand our engagement with them.
El sector privado tiene un papel vital en la sociedad. Necesita sociedades que respeten el estado de derecho para prosperar. Necesita sociedades donde haya paz y seguridad para que el crecimiento, la riqueza y el bienestar lleguen a la gente. Podemos contribuir a un ambiente propicio para este objetivo, y el sector privado puede ayudarnos en esta tarea.
Uniendo el poder de convocatoria de la OEA con el dinamismo del sector privado, podemos impulsar un espacio donde la inversión en los valores democráticos genere crecimiento
sostenible.
Buscaremos un diálogo continuo con asociaciones empresariales regionales y sectoriales para asegurar que sus perspectivas nutran nuestras políticas y programas. También buscaremos
aprovechar soluciones tecnológicas, experiencia y capital del sector privado para aumentar nuestro impacto en todo el Hemisferio. En este objetivo, la sociedad civil tiene mucho que contribuir como garante de la cohesión social y la justicia. Trabajaremos con la sociedad civil para garantizar que nuestras acciones respondan a las verdaderas necesidades de las comunidades y se mantengan alineadas con los valores democráticos.
Not only private sector and civil society engagement is important but also that with our international and regional institutions. We need to strengthen our partnerships and align our efforts. Regular coordination will minimize duplication, pool resources, and increase the effectiveness of our collective response to regional challenges. The upcoming Summit of the Americas can play an impotant role in facilitating such an approach and agenda.
This includes regular meetings and alignment with the Inter-American Development Bank, PAHO, and IICA, along with continuous dialogue with CARICOM, SICA, the Andean Community, CELAC and key partners such as the UN and the European and African Union. We must also look beyond our own region. The global context has impact on our own region.
And the fourth key area, is off course, addressing the most contentious political challenges in the region, including the urgent situation in Haiti, to promote stability and dialogue where it is needed most. Nowhere in the Hemisphere are democracy and the rule of law, security, human rights and development more threatened than in Haiti. Haiti will be high on our agenda for the foreseeable future.
To this end, the OAS will prioritize, within its remit and the Charter provisions, support for a comprehensive roadmap that addresses Haiti's immediate security challenges while also
advancing long-term governance reforms.
We will boost our partnership with other institutions, such as CARICOM and the United Nations, to help design and implement a robust framework that streamlines Haiti's political structures and promotes continuing political dialogue, enabling greater accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in public administration.
This will include our support for the organization of a referendum on a new constitution, the preparation and conduct of general elections, and the development of a comprehensive security strategy to restore law and order.
Recognizing the urgency of the moment, I am announcing today the relaunch of the Group of Friends of Haiti. I am well aware that there is an existing formal working group within the
political bodies. We will work also closely with that initiative on Haiti. This new coalition of committed partners, with Haiti in the lead, will serve as a vital platform to share information, mobilize international and regional support, align efforts, and ensure coordinated responses to
Haiti's most pressing needs.
Together, we will work to restore stability, rebuild institutions, and foster conditions conducive to lasting peace and prosperity for the Haitian people. The role, initiative and leadership of Haiti and it's representatives are critical.
Given the urgent and complex circumstances in Haiti, the Organization of American States and its partners must act decisively to provide meaningful support to the Haitian people and institutions. The current transitional governance framework, as agreed upon, is set to expire on February 7, 2026.
This deadline presents both a critical opportunity and a formidable challenge. The OAS must help ensure that this transitional period culminates with a security level conducive to a legitimate, inclusive, and democratic political process that restores constitutional order, strengthens public institutions, and fosters long-term stability. Haiti can emerge from this transition with renewed hope and sovereign determination. In this pivotal moment, we must
make Haiti a hemispheric priority.
Distinguished permanent representatives, you have given me your trust. I am honored and ask you some time and space to proof to you that we can make a difference.
Looking more towards the future, the region faces challenges which need to be as proactively
addressed. Democracy across many nations is under pressure, confronted by waves of
disinformation, polarization, corruption, and economic instability.
Violence and insecurity threaten lives and livelihoods, while transnational organized crime continues to test the rule of law. Environmental changes, migration, and inequality are
escalating, creating vulnerabilities for the most marginalized among us, especially for small and developing states.
For over 75 years, the Organization of American States has been a steadfast pillar of democracy, security and development in the Western Hemisphere. From defending democratic
governance in times of crisis to accompanying peaceful transitions of power, the OAS has stood firmly with the people.
Whether through electoral observation missions in over 30 countries or institutional strengthening programs, the OAS has helped ensure that the voice of every citizen is heard and
that democratic values remain the foundation of our collective journey. In doing so, we have reaffirmed a simple but powerful truth: democracy is not a luxury; it is vital to dignity, justice, and peace - and I'd like to add - prosperity.
Electoral observation remains one of the OAS's flagship programs. Protection of electoral integrity is a cornerstone of democratic legitimacy. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet with our observer mission just this week, while casting my vote in Suriname this Sunday and on Tuesday, while enroute I was privy to the first report. This line of OAS operations contributes to strengthening our democratic institutions, which are also susceptible to changing times and technological leaps. Like we need a strong OAS to implement the strategic objective, we need strong governments to adress the many financial and socio-economic challenges countries face.
Digital technologies, the widely used social media and up and coming artificial intelligence, can be a blessing and a curse. The negative aspects you are all aware of, as they impact every society these days. But when deployed purposefully these innovations can become catalysts for sustainable progress, digital security and inclusive growth. It can also be a tool to reshape the region's economic landscape (for example enabling online trading).
I believe that there is a role for us to play in this space, we can support Member States to leverage digital transformation as a cornerstone for prosperity, with a strategic focus on closing gaps, building resilient economies, and creating a digitally inclusive future for the Americas.
But again, here too, we must act now, to prevent falling behind the ever-evolving curve.
Our reach goes far beyond the ballot box. In the face of poverty, inequality, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the OAS has launched bold initiatives to uplift those most in need. Through technical cooperation, education programs, and the fight against poverty and exclusion, we have worked to narrow the gap between aspiration and reality for millions. We must ensure that this continues.
En el área de seguridad y paz, la OEA ha liderado la resolución de conflictos, el desarme y la promoción de los derechos humanos. Nuestra Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos y la Corte de Derechos Humanos han sido voces de esperanza para los que no tienen voz, exigiendo responsabilidad a los gobiernos y defendiendo los derechos inalienables de cada individuo.
La OEA ha facilitado el diálogo en momentos de profunda polarización. Ha ayudado a reconstruir la confianza en instituciones frágiles. Y ha fomentado la cooperación para combatir el crimen organizado, la corrupción y las amenazas cibernéticas. A través de una diplomacia incansable y apoyo técnico, hemos fortalecido la colaboración entre países. Hemos fomentado una visión común de las Américas como una región de paz y prosperidad para nuestros pueblos. Esta alta aspiración requiere del trabajo de todos para una OEA renovada y fortalecida.
Organized crime and drug trafficking pose serious threats to peace and stability throughout the Americas, placing a heavy burden on our societies. The OAS must strengthen regional tactical and operational cooperation and assistance, enhance drug policy frameworks, and implement evidence-based strategies focused on both demand reduction and supply control.
By providing comprehensive training, technical assistance, and fostering policy dialogue, we aim to empower member states to tackle emerging drug threats while integrating gender, cultural, and human rights perspectives.
The OAS must continue to prioritize gender equality and social inclusion in its programming, as it aims to not only combat drug trafficking and abuse but also promote sustainable, community-centered approaches to drug control across the Americas.
Migration is not merely a statistic. The migration crisis is a tragedy. We will seek to foster partnerships with the private sector to create skills training centers and economic opportunities in communities where migration is prevalent. By investing in education, vocational training, and sustainable development, we can transform the narrative from one of crisis to one of opportunity.
Rural electrification and renewable energy projects have attracted more than $200 million in investments, boosting sustainable growth in Argentina, Honduras, and the Caribbean.
The OAS has also been central in helping countries build climate resilience—developing safe building codes in eight Caribbean nations and funding 25 climate-resilient projects that have directly benefited over 15,000 people.
While not a financial institution or a developing financing instrument, because of the relationship between peace, security and prosperity, we must include in the political discourse topics such as the impact of environmental changes, severe debt burden, financing for development, incl. the green funds, building economic resilience, etc. Initiatives and proposals such as the Multi Vulnerability Index and the Bridgetown Initiative must be taken serious and discussed in these fora.
Ladies and gentlemen, the path to a more prosperous future, to integral development, lies not in isolation, but in unity. It lies in the vigorous pursuit of intra-regional trade and investments, the deepening of integration, the unwavering commitment to cooperation, and the forging of robust partnerships. Let us first acknowledge our profound interdependence. The challenges we face – economic volatility, supply chain disruptions, climate change – transcend borders.
No single country, no single organization or entity, can tackle these challenges acting alone. Our economies are deeply interwoven; what affects one, inevitably ripples across to others. By recognizing and embracing this interdependence, we can transform vulnerabilities into strengths, leveraging our collective resources and diverse capabilities to build resilience.
This interdependence is amplified by the imperative of connectivity. Beyond physical infrastructure, we must foster digital bridges, streamline customs, harmonize regulations, and facilitate the seamless flow of goods, services, and ideas. Because of these realties, effective multilateralism has a purpose and is necessary in the interest of all.
Enhanced connectivity means faster trade, greater efficiency, and expanded opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. It means bringing our communities closer, fostering
understanding, and unlocking the full economic potential of our hemisphere. A critical component of this vision is nearshoring. The global events of recent years have starkly
highlighted the fragility of distant supply chains. By spurring production within our own hemisphere, we enhance security, reduce lead times, and create jobs right here in the Americas. It is not just about efficiency; it is about building a more secure and stable economic foundation
for our region, fostering regional value chains that benefit us all.
And finally, this pursuit of unity strengthens our collective self-sufficiency. This does not imply isolation from the world, but rather a strategic reduction of over-reliance on external markets for critical goods and services.
By diversifying our production, investing in innovation, and strengthening our internal markets, we can build a hemisphere that is more resilient to global shocks, more capable of
meeting its own needs, and more secure in its economic future. Imagine an Americas where trade and investments flow freely and fairly, where innovation thrives through shared knowledge, and where every citizen has the opportunity to prosper.
This is not a utopian dream; it is an achievable reality if we commit to working together. The OAS must lead in these efforts as a trusted broker in the hemisphere. It is imperative that we forge partnerships that last, and in doing so, construct a more prosperous, stable, and self-reliant future for all the people of the Americas.
Ladies and gentlemen, I count on all of you, to strengthen our institutions that play a key role in maintaining democratic governance, foster political stability, public safety and national integrity. This will be the best foundation for economic resilience, increased FDI and productivity, resulting in more jobs, more prosperity and a predictable future for our youth.
The policies we develop should be data driven. And we need to set attainable, measurable goals and objectives. Where we need to adjust I will propose to do just that, motivated and in the
interest of the optimalization of the organization. I believe that for example an efficiency analysis of the outstanding mandates is in order.
I look forward to the General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda and later in the year the Summit of the Americas in the Dominican Republic. I thank the two hosts for their leadership
and commitment to a more united and responsive organization and stimulate meaningful and substantive dialogue. This is a moment of transformation for the region. It is also a moment of possibility a moment of action.
In the words of Simon Bolívar: "The unity of our people is not simply desirable; it is essential for progress." In this new era of the OAS, let us be bold, innovative, and above all, united. Together, we can build a future where democracy thrives, human rights are upheld, good governance a norm, and every person in the Western Hemisphere has the opportunity to
prosper.
I call on all of us to work together. I need input from all of you, to make the OAS live up to what we have all endorsed it to be: a respected institution that is an honest broker in times of conflict, a facilitator of development and growth and ultimately a contributor to the well-being of and peace for all citizens in the Americas.
Let history remember this moment not as the start of a new administration, but as the start of a new era. An era characterized by unity, collaboration, interaction, dialogue, cohesion, to the betterment of all peoples of the American States.
I thank you.
Reference: S-011/25
