I am very pleased to be here. Let me recognize Sir Clare Roberts, it is good to see you, Deputy Governor General.
Honorable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda,
Members of the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda,
Distinguished Ministers and Heads of Delegation,
Distinguished Permanent Representatives, Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Nestor Mendez,
Distinguished Permanent Observers,
Colleagues from international and regional organizations,
Staff members of the Organization American States,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening all.
Tonight, at midnight it will be exactly one month after I assumed this position. So you understand my pleasure, and that we are deeply honored to address today, you Member States of the Organization of American States, as 13th and first Caribbean Secretary General of the Organization of American States and to participate in this 55th Regular Session of the General Assembly.
I wish to put on record our deep appreciation to the Government and the People of Antigua and Barbuda - land of 365 beaches, every day one - for their warm hospitality and for hosting this General Assembly, the first held in a Caribbean country since 2002.
By convening us here, Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms their national commitment to principles and the goals of the Organization of American States and reminds us as well of the key role every Member must play in advancing our shared goals and common priorities.
I would like to commend Antigua and Barbuda for selecting for this conference the theme "Building Resilient, Inclusive Economies in the Americas." This theme captures both a shared hemispheric aspiration and a concrete commitment to advancing the well-being of our people. It also underscores the need for renewed collective action at a time when growth, resilience and inclusivity are more than just ideals but rather imperatives for survival and progress.
I thank our hosts for convening the event earlier today on "Uniting for Mental Health," an issue too often neglected, yet one that intersects every pillar of our work. Our citizens' well-being must remain central, not only in moments of crisis, but as a constant driver of our efforts.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mister Prime Minister, we live in unpredictable and uncertain times. We observe a weakening of the decades-long commitment to global cooperation on the basis of international law and a rule-based international architecture. The global context, marked by geopolitical tensions, socio-economic volatilities, and rapidly evolving technologies, demonstrates the challenging and complex world we live in today. The international community faces not only violent conflicts in different regions, but also profound challenges to democratic governance and the, sometimes, unforeseen and worrisome impact of transformative technologies.
Escalation of recent military actions in the Middle East and the ongoing conflicts must be avoided at all costs. In a world with many deep-rooted challenges, maintenance of peace and security is critical. We call for de-escalation and restraint, as parties must move to diplomatic and peaceful means for resolving this conflict.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are a Hemisphere defined by remarkable diversity, in geography, language, culture and history, and much more. This diversity coexists alongside a profound convergence of purpose and offers opportunities for progress.
Today, the Americas stand at complex crossroads. Political, economic, security, and human rights, and climate-related challenges are interconnected and mutually reinforcing forces which test the foundations of democratic governance and the strength of our institutions.
Within our region, longstanding inequalities and rising violence have compounded distrust in democratic processes. At the same time, transnational organized crime, climate vulnerability, and uneven economic growth continue to strain our societies. Respect for and adherence to democratic principles, rule of law and human rights, accompanied by sound financial and economic policies, must be demonstrated in furtherance of building a just and fair, peaceful, prosperous, and equitable society, for all. To be successful, a holistic and "whole of society" approach is essential.
The OAS as an institution, in its new dispensation, stands ready to work with governments, inter-American institutions, civil society, and private sector to create a democratic, prosperous and secure Hemisphere.
Ladies and Gentlemen, democratic backsliding, economic inequality, and human rights violations are increasingly intertwined with a deteriorating security landscape. Transnational organized crime stands as a primary driver of violence, institutional fragility, and contested territorial control across the Americas. The path toward institutional strength and security in the Americas depends on addressing the region's development challenges as well. Economic stagnation and inequality continue to undermine institutional capacity, fuel political instability, and create the conditions in which violence and organized crime flourish.
However, Ladies and gentlemen, it is my firm belief that this is the time (that) we, as a united Hemisphere, must chart our own future away from this course. Let us recognize that through our hemispheric multilateral system, we possess not only the expertise and collective resolve, but also the institutional architecture to effectively respond to these challenges.
The OAS has developed many initiatives that make meaningful contributions across each of these areas, and I'll mention some of those.
The strengthening of our electoral systems and processes, and thereby the democratic foundations of our countries, has been at the core of the OAS work. We are grateful to those member states and Permanent Observers that have supported our missions over the years. We also, however, need deeper engagement by those countries that receive OAS Missions, but do not yet provide the tangible support that allows them to take place. The OAS plays a broader role in strengthening democratic institutions across the Hemisphere. Through a range of country-specific missions and technical cooperation initiatives, we support member states in addressing complex governance challenges.
Equally recognized are our efforts in the human rights realm, which have been recently streamlined. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the most well-known organ of the OAS, has identified a series of troubling trends across the region, most notably, and I will mention some: increasingly frequent suspension of constitutional guarantees in response to insecurity caused by organized crime, a notable shrinking civic space, disproportionate use of public force against protests, and a growingly hostile environment for human rights defenders. We must also be weary of a notable rise in hate speech, misinformation, infringements of basic human rights, and marginalized groups. The Human Rights Commission has become the Inter-American conscience - the voice we need to hear, even when, at times, it is uncomfortable. In 2024 alone, 123 merits reports were approved, a record number in its history of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
In the area of multidimensional security, the OAS has deepened its support to Member States through training, technical assistance, and community-based initiatives aimed at responding to the region's evolving threats. Just last year alone, over 21,000 individuals were trained or directly supported in areas such as landmine clearance, victim assistance, police professionalization, cybersecurity, and drug policy.
While not a financing for development institution, the OAS plays a vital role in advancing sustainable development and prosperity across the Americas through technical cooperation, capacity-building, policy dialogue, and strategic partnerships. The Inter-American Development Bank, amongst other regional banks, sub-regional development financing institutions, commercial banks and foundations are our partners supporting sustainable and green development. Over the past year, and in collaboration with other organizations, the OAS awarded over 2,400 scholarships, trained 38,000 people in digital skills, supported women entrepreneurs in nine Member States, and provided more than 2,600 training opportunities for port personnel. Just a few details of the value of the OAS to our membership.
Ladies and Gentlemen, none of these efforts in advancing the OAS's core mission in democracy, human rights, security, and development would be possible without the contributions of member states and Permanent Observers. In 2024, in addition to their regular contributions, Member States provided 51 million US Dollars in voluntary contributions and our Permanent Observers and other international partners contributed 25.2 US dollars million. These contributions are, in our view, testimony to the ongoing commitment of our strategic partners with our shared objectives. I do intend to broaden, deepen and intensify this partnership, for which we will convene a special session before year end.
I strongly believe in the remarkable work the OAS and its dedicated and highly professional staff carries out. But in the face of today's complex challenges, there is always room to do more, to do better, and we always make sure we all showcase (the good that is being done). This excellent narrative of the OAS as the premier multilateral inter-governmental platform in the Americas and the Caribbean must be told and shared. We cannot fulfill our mission by relying solely on past practices or acting in isolation. It cannot be business as usual anymore. This does not immediately require drastic overhauls, but rather a renewed commitment to working effectively, within the framework of the Charter, the mandates, and the instruments adopted by Member States.
And as we look ahead to building a stronger OAS, we must deepen the work on democracy and human rights in several key areas. Moving forward, we will expand this work to include enhanced collaboration with regional parliamentary forums, sub-national governments and other democratic institutions. The OAS School of Governance will be much more empowered. This flagship initiative provides training to public officials, political leaders, civil society, and community organizations to strengthen transparency, accountability, and civic participation.
The OAS must become a trusted space where countries can come not for judgment or sanctions, but for open and frank dialogue, meaningful collaboration, mutual understanding of different vantage points and ultimately with the aim to find solutions and move forward as a stronger community in unity. We will work to expand our role in mediation and dialogue, fostering spaces where differing perspectives can be heard and peaceful resolutions achieved. To facilitate that vision, we must, we have to be in the same room, around the same table. If there is no dialogue and other types of diplomatic engagement nor any form of interaction, we will not succeed.
While emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence offer opportunities to enhance the OAS's effectiveness, they also present risks, including labor displacement, algorithm bias, disinformation, and deepened inequalities. In fact, the digital divide is becoming a driver of exclusion, particularly for already marginalized communities. Together with relevant institutions and the private sector the OAS must play a prominent role in assisting member states expand affordable internet access, promote digital literacy, and build public-private partnerships that bring emerging technologies to underserved populations. We can also support governments in crafting inclusive AI strategies and rights-based digital governance frameworks.
To respond effectively to today's multidimensional and fast-evolving security threats, the OAS must function as both a political forum and as an operational hub in the fight against transnational organized crime. In this regard, we need to reinvigorate our institutional architecture. It is crucial that we reassess, optimize, and streamline the programs and make use of mechanisms already in place. The recently adopted Central America and Dominican Republic Firearms Roadmap, provides a model for aligning national priorities and enhancing cross-border collaboration, and should expand to deepen subregional coordination.
To drive economic growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient, we must prioritize expanding trade and investment among ourselves, strengthening Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs), competitiveness, and advancing coordinated action on climate and energy. Because SMEs are the backbone of our economies, we will work with partners and specialized semi-autonomous OAS entities on enhancing access to finance, technical assistance, and business development services. Intra-regional trade and connectivity will be stimulated through supporting local businesses with tools and training to meet international standards. With regard to climate and energy, we will mobilize access to green financing mechanisms, promote early warning systems and climate-smart agriculture, and invest in disaster preparedness to strengthen resilience and protect ecosystems and food security. We must make good use of the proposals made in this regard, such as the Bridgetown Initiative. Regional strategies for sustainable energy integration and a just transition will be key to delivering long-term impact.
Ladies and gentlemen, the task before us is immense, and these goals will not be achieved overnight. What matters most is that we acknowledge our realities and set our sights on the future based on a common agenda. In order to achieve this revitalized vision, we are advancing a comprehensive approach grounded in mutually reinforcing strategies.
o First, we are strengthening partnerships with multilateral institutions, regional organizations, the private sector, and civil society to build collective capacities.
o Second, we are modernizing the Organization from within, streamlining operations, improving coordination and communication, and reinforcing financial sustainability.
o Third, we are enhancing our media outreach, ensuring that the people of the Americas are aware of the good that is and can be done by the OAS. This will include more frequent engagement with the media, schools, universities and communities and other relevant stakeholders in societies of the Americas.
In this modernization and change agenda the OAS does not stand alone. And we cannot stand alone. We need the support of member states to increase the efficiency of the political functions of the organization, we need to mobilize more technical and financial resources, and we need to align mandates with our inter-American partners. Building resilience across the Americas requires collective resolve and coordinated action.
This is why we are relaunching strategic partnerships and institutional dialogue across the broader Inter-American system—including regional development banks, Permanent Observers, the private sector, and civil society. This collaborative approach seeks to turn shared challenges into lasting economic growth and inclusive progress, fully aligned with the theme of the 55th OAS General Assembly. In this spirit, I must inform you that I met twice since my election with the heads of the IDB, Pan American Health Organization, and IICA to identify areas of synergy and agreed to develop a joint agenda for the future of the Americas — a framework to guide and align our efforts moving forward. In the future, we will also advance an active agenda to deepen collaboration with other key sub-regional organizations.
We will also promote people-to-people connections, including language and cultural exchanges, to foster greater cooperation and unity throughout the region. Our own museum and library are underutilized tools in our closet.
Meaningful engagement also entails, ladies and gentlemen, deepening our relations with organizations and individuals that reflect the rich diversity of our Hemisphere, including Indigenous peoples, peoples of African descent, LGBTI+ communities, youth, and migrants, to ensure their voices are not only heard but meaningfully shape our hemispheric agenda. At the same time, advancing gender equality must remain a cross-cutting priority, not just a moral imperative but a practical solution to the region's most pressing needs. Women are central to the strength, resilience, and future of our countries.
We are launching a renewed partnership with the private sector across the Americas. This partnership is based on the recognition that the defense of democracy begins with acknowledging that people also have the right to work, live in safety, and access to a dignified future. By aligning business leadership with long-term development goals and democratic values, the private sector can become a strategic partner in building peace and shared prosperity in the Americas.
To make all this a reality it has become apparent, since my election a mere three months ago, that we need to strengthen ourselves from within. As such, we are in the midst of undertaking internal efficiency assessments to eliminate counterproductive bureaucracy and ensure our structures are streamlined and aligned with the Organization's priorities moving forward.
In this spirit, we began with a seemingly simple but essential step: establishing regular cabinet meetings. These meetings not only capture insights from technical areas based on their work in the field, but also serve as a forum to define strategic priorities that are translated into action across the Organization. But internal cohesion demands more than meetings.
That is why we have launched a broader institutional effort to dismantle silos, foster cross-departmental collaboration, enhance communication, and streamline operations to improve our overall effectiveness.
Within the OAS General Secretariat, a revised organizational structure is being compiled to deliver on the needs of our stakeholders, being the member states. The objective is to deliver an organizational chart that reflects our aspirations for efficiency and focused on our strategic priorities: human rights, representative democracy and political affairs, security and integral development.
We are also reinstating full-time in-person work. As an international organization, we must bring our teams together physically to strengthen collaboration, reinforce institutional culture, and renew our shared sense of purpose. Furthermore, I believe that it is also important that our staff is comprised of members representing all member states, regardless of their prevailing language.
Many of these measures are aligned with the findings of the recent external evaluation of the OAS. Member States invested in this process, and they rightfully expect to see concrete follow-up on its recommendations. At the same time, the evaluation also underscored a critical point: financial sustainability is not a marginal concern. Adequate funding is essential to preserving the Organization's success. Without a solid financial foundation, the OAS cannot fulfill its mandate or respond effectively to the evolving needs of our region. Our budget should be based on a rational and prioritized articulation of what is required to operate effectively and a financing strategy to meet needs.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me this moment to address a matter which is, and always has been, certainly for me, as a Caricom national, very near and dear to me. A state of play in our founding member state, the Republic of Haiti. To solve the problems in Haiti, all four OAS pillars, will come into play in the coming months.
Over the past months, we have intensified our consultations with a broad range of stakeholders, most notably the United Nations, partners of the Inter-American system, representatives of the Caricom Eminent Persons Group and members of the Transitional Presidential Council, amongst others, to help identify realistic pathways toward stability and development in Haiti.
Haiti's crisis demands a holistic and comprehensive response. We are working hard with the team to develop a sequenced, multidimensional roadmap, structured in critical segments and components: security, in its different manifestations, humanitarian assistance, political consensus-building towards a future political and economic agenda, the holding of elections and intensifying economic development efforts. Those are the five pillars in this roadmap which we will develop. Ultimately the objective is to assist, under Haitian leadership, a prospect of long- term stability and effective governance. Haiti's path forward, ladies and gentlemen, depends on political renewal, mitigating security and economic stabilization. At the heart of this roadmap lies coordination and finance. Within its remit and the Charter provisions of the OAS, together with global and regional partners, is prepared to play a constructive role in facilitating the required coordination.
This year the Summit of the Americas, will be convened, and I wish to make use of this moment to commend the leadership of the Dominican Republic, particularly President Luis Abinader and Minister Roberto Álvarez for hosting the upcoming Summit in Punta Cana. The theme of this Summit, "Building a Secure and Sustainable Hemisphere with Shared Prosperity," along with its focus on citizen, energy, food, and water security, could not be more timely. It reinforces the vision we have advanced across every area of our agenda. This Summit must be embraced, in our view, as a pivotal moment to relaunch our shared hemispheric agenda—toward a more united, responsive, forward-looking, and integrated security and development strategy for the Americas.
Ladies and gentlemen, in closing, I want to reiterate that the task before us is immense. Yet, so is the strength of this inter-American community when we act with unity and resolve. The conversations we have begun here are not merely institutional; they are generational. We must be clear-eyed about the road ahead. Political polarization, transnational organized crime, inequality, and climate disruption will continue to test the resilience of our societies and the legitimacy of our institutions. But we must also be confident. These challenges can be overcome with determination, collaboration, and a renewed sense of shared responsibility.
The vision which we aspire to is one of ambition, of renewal and of delivery. That vision is reflected in the actions we are already taking to modernize the OAS, to strengthen internal coordination, to deepen strategic partnerships, and to ensure greater financial sustainability. They are essential steps toward creating a more effective, credible, and responsive Organization.
In that spirit, I call on all Member States to fully support the modernization and change agenda, and to take an active role in building the future of this Organization. We are a community with a shared future and a shared responsibility to shape it. Our citizens are counting on us to lead with conviction and with results. So, ladies and gentlemen, let us leave this General Assembly, this 55th General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda, with renewed purpose and remain a Hemisphere in peace. Therefore, I wish us all a very productive, constructive, forward looking General Assembly.
I thank you very much.
Reference: S-015/25
