Suriname’s former Overseas Affairs Minister, Albert Ramdin, was formally sworn in on Friday as the brand new Secretary Common of the Group of American States (OAS), ushering in what he known as the start of a “new period” for the hemispheric physique.
In a particular session of the OAS Everlasting Council, Ramdin—who beforehand served as Assistant Secretary Common—laid out an bold imaginative and prescient centered on revitalizing the world’s oldest multilateral group amid rising international uncertainty, democratic erosion, and deepening social inequality.
“Let this second not be remembered as the start of a brand new administration,” Ramdin declared, “however as the start of a brand new period.”
Ramdin takes the helm from Uruguay’s Luis Almagro, who served two phrases and was identified for his vocal advocacy on democracy and human rights. Ramdin praised his predecessor’s legacy and in addition welcomed Colombian diplomat Laura Gil, set to turn out to be the OAS’s first feminine Below-Secretary-Common.
In his inaugural tackle, Ramdin pledged to pursue 4 key priorities throughout his first yr: inside institutional strengthening, higher public visibility of the OAS, monetary sustainability, and an expanded position in tackling regional crises—chief amongst them, the worsening state of affairs in Haiti.
Ramdin’s reform plan contains overhauling the OAS’s inside operations, introducing month-to-month cupboard conferences, improved employees communication, and a renewed concentrate on worker well-being {and professional} growth. A change administration unit shall be established inside his workplace to help these efforts.
“The OAS should turn out to be simpler, agile and cost-conscious,” he stated, including that revitalizing the establishment is essential to sustaining its relevance and influence in a fast-changing world.
One other main pillar of Ramdin’s technique is to convey the OAS nearer to the residents of the Americas. He vowed to modernize the group’s communications by storytelling, public campaigns, and partnerships with civil society, media, and tutorial establishments.
“From the fashionable cities of North America to the cultural richness of the Caribbean, it’s our range that varieties the muse of mutual understanding,” Ramdin stated. “The OAS is not only a forms, it’s the beating coronary heart of cooperation, peace and regional unity.”
Monetary sustainability was additionally excessive on Ramdin’s agenda. He plans to construct stronger alliances with growth banks, personal sector entities, NGOs, and observer nations. “Extra impactful applications require broader partnerships,” he stated.
Ramdin recognized Haiti because the hemisphere’s most pressing problem, saying the OAS will help efforts to revive safety, reform political establishments, and put together for 2026 elections. He introduced the relaunch of the “Group of Associates of Haiti” to assist coordinate worldwide help and emphasised the necessity for a referendum on a brand new structure.
He additionally reiterated the OAS’s continued dedication to its core mission of selling democracy, human rights, safety, and growth.
Highlighting his in depth expertise in election remark, Ramdin careworn that digital resilience is important in safeguarding democratic processes from disinformation and cyber threats. He sees the OAS taking part in a central position in supporting international locations as they navigate synthetic intelligence and digital modernization.
Ramdin additionally addressed regional issues, together with migration, organized crime, drug violence, and local weather change—urging for evidence-based options and stronger regional cooperation. He backed ongoing efforts just like the Bridgetown Initiative and known as for severe engagement on the Multi Vulnerability Index to make sure small and climate-vulnerable states obtain sufficient help.
Lastly, he emphasised the necessity for higher intra-regional commerce, logistics connectivity, and financial self-reliance within the face of worldwide disruptions.
“The power of the Americas lies in its folks, its historical past, and its potential,” Ramdin stated. “Solely by cooperation and shared accountability can we construct resilience for the long run.”
Ramdin’s five-year time period formally begins with broad expectations for transformative management and renewed goal throughout the OAS.
