WASHINGTON, CMC – Former Suriname overseas affairs minister Albert Ramdin was on Friday sworn in as the brand new Secretary Common of the Group of American States (OAS), promising to implement 4 new foremost priorities through the first 12 months of his five-year stint.
“Let this second not be remembered as the start of a brand new administration,” Ramdin mentioned, “however as the start of a brand new period.”
Ramdin, a former Assistant Secretary Common of the OAS, replaces Luis Almagro, the Uruguayan lawyer, diplomat, and politician who served because the tenth Secretary Common of the OAS. Ramdin praised Almargo for his dedication to peace, human rights, and democracy and welcomed Colombian diplomat Laura Gil as the long run first feminine Below-Secretary-Common of the OAS.
In his inaugural handle, Ramdin outlined his imaginative and prescient for the world’s oldest multilateral group, notably within the context of heightened geopolitical tensions, democratic backsliding, and social inequality.
He instructed the Particular assembly of the OAS Everlasting Council that the power of the Americas lies in its individuals, variety, tradition, and historical past. He mentioned from the fashionable cities of North America to the Indigenous traditions of Central and South America to the cultural richness of the Caribbean, it’s these components that, in accordance with him, kind the idea for cooperation and mutual understanding.
Ramdin described the OAS as not only a forms however because the “beating coronary heart of cooperation, peace and regional unity.
“In a world filled with divisions, the OAS has confirmed that cooperation primarily based on equality and dialogue works,” he mentioned, including that if the OAS didn’t exist right this moment, it ought to be re-established instantly.
He acknowledged that his 4 foremost priorities throughout his first 12 months in workplace would come with strengthening the group’s inside operations, saying, “The OAS should grow to be simpler, agile, and cost-conscious.”
He mentioned there can be a brand new organizational chart, month-to-month cupboard conferences, improved inside communications, and a deal with employees well-being and profession growth. A change administration unit may also be arrange inside his workplace.
As well as, Ramdin mentioned the OAS should grow to be extra seen to residents within the area, advocating for contemporary communications by way of campaigns, storytelling, and the lively involvement of universities, civil society, and the media.
He mentioned by way of arts, tradition, and schooling, he needs to convey the individuals of the continent nearer to the group. The previous Suriname senior authorities minister mentioned that the monetary sustainability of the OAS “is essential” and that he needs to draw extra assets structurally by way of renewed partnerships with growth banks, the personal sector, and observers.
“The contribution of the personal sector, non-government organizations, and multilateral establishments ought to result in extra impactful packages,” he added.
Relating to Haiti, Ramdin mentioned the scenario within the French-speaking Caribbean Neighborhood (CARICOM) nation poses essentially the most vital problem for the hemisphere.
He acknowledged that the OAS will assist a roadmap for safety, political reform, and institutional reconstruction and introduced the relaunch of the “Group of Pals of Haiti” to coordinate worldwide assist.
“Work must also be completed on a referendum on a brand new structure and preparations for elections in 2026,” Ramdin mentioned, reiterating that the core mission of the OAS – democracy, human rights, safety, and growth –stays important.
He referred to his expertise in elections, together with in Suriname, and burdened the significance of election statement as a cornerstone of democratic legitimacy. Within the digital age, electoral processes should even be resilient to disinformation, cyber threats, and manipulation.
Ramdin acknowledged that new applied sciences, equivalent to synthetic intelligence (AI) and social media, current each alternatives and threats and that he goals to place the OAS as a accomplice for digital transformation and financial modernization.
Ramdin mentioned the OAS ought to assist nations bridge digital divides and seize technological alternatives for inclusive progress.
On the subject of combating organized crime, medication, and violence, Ramdin warned that they undermine stability within the hemisphere.
He referred to as for strengthening regional cooperation, reforming drug coverage, and implementing gender- and human rights-sensitive methods, advocating for evidence-based interventions and capability constructing by way of coaching and technical help.
In his handle, Ramdin described migration as a humanitarian tragedy that should be addressed by way of schooling, employment, and group growth.
He mentioned that, given the OAS’s involvement in sustainable power tasks and climate-resilient infrastructure within the Caribbean, there’s additionally a necessity for critical debate on the Multi Vulnerability Index and the Bridgetown Initiative.
He regards intra-regional commerce, nearshoring, and financial cooperation as pillars for future-proof progress. The pandemic and world conflicts have proven that the continent must grow to be extra self-reliant.
Ramdin referred to as for improved logistics connectivity, harmonization of guidelines, and the event of regional worth chains. Solely by way of cooperation and shared accountability can the continent construct resilience to world shocks.
