Media Center

Press Release

ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL CALLS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT PARADIGM

Organization of American States (OAS) Assistant Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin called for a new development paradigm characterized by a “more holistic, more human and more pragmatic” approach. He made the comments today as the Economic Forum for the Americas opened in Cartagena, Colombia, under the theme “Building Sustainable Societies: The Path to Economic Development.”

The Inter-American Economic Council is hosting the two-day forum, which is co-sponsored by the OAS and the government of Colombia, along with private entities. Participants include members of the United States Congress, the Andean Parliament and the Colombian government.

In his remarks, Ramdin emphasized the value of building peaceful and sustainable societies, while lamenting that more than 200 million citizens of the Americas are forced to live in grinding poverty. He identified key building blocks in constructing sustainable societies, including democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights, free and fair trade, poverty alleviation, environmentally responsible development policies, and a range of social issues such as equitable access to health care and education.

Ambassador Ramdin commended the organizers of the forum, which he said mirrors the main objectives of the OAS: “to support democratic and peaceful societies, to build sustainable and viable economies, and to provide opportunities to improve the lives of the citizens of the Americas.” The Assistant Secretary General noted as well that while democracy in the hemisphere has generally been strengthened over the last few decades, “it has not satisfactorily translated into economic and social progress for all in society.”

He noted the special role of the OAS in “accompanying the political and economic processes in the Western Hemisphere in such a way that we collectively can contribute to the health and wealth in our societies.” Multilateral efforts led by the OAS in the area of democracy and human rights, good governance and trade, are helping to create “an environment that is conducive for investments, the strengthening of productive capacity and wealth creation,” Ramdin said.

The Assistant Secretary General observed that the region’s youth should be empowered, “with commitment, energy and resources,” given the potential to reap incredible dividends for growth and stability in the countries by bridging the gap between the present and the future. “Any investment in youth is a strategic investment in the future of that country,” he concluded, citing gangs, illegal drugs and the illegal trafficking of small weapons and HIV/AIDS among problems putting the youth at risk in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Participants explored such topics as the strategic relationship involving the United States, Colombia and Andean nations; building sustainable Latin American societies that are open to investment, trade and property rights; corporate social responsibility; and building a sustainable society that focuses on the compatibility of both development and the environment.

While in Cartagena, Assistant Secretary General Ramdin also received the keys to the city from Mayor Nicolas Curi, during a brief ceremony.

Reference: E-101/07