REMARKS BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL ALBERT RAMDIN AT THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE HEADS OF DELEGATION OF MEMBER STATES, THE SECRETARY GENERAL AND THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL WITH PERMANENT OBSERVERS

June 25, 2025 - St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, Everly Paul Chet Greene, Heads of Delegation of Member States and Permanent Observers,

Ladies and gentlemen, good day and welcome to Antigua and Barbuda,

I would like to begin by thanking the Government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda for their steadfast support of the Organization of American States, to Inter- Americanism. We are especially appreciative of their commitment to fostering dialogue not only among OAS member states but also with partners from beyond our hemisphere.


I also commend the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for the thoughtful selection of this year's theme: "Building Resilient, Inclusive Economies in the Americas." This theme resonates not only within our region but also with global priorities. It addresses the urgent need to strengthen economic resilience in response to ongoing geopolitical, social, environmental, and economic challenges.

So in a world undergoing profound transformation, marked by mounting systemic risks and complex crises, the need for stronger multilateral cooperation has never been more urgent. This is an essential role that the institutions of the Inter-American system have been playing since its creation. Our collective action is not just a principle—it is a necessity for peace, sustainable development and for the overall well-being of our peoples.

Permanent Observers have long been valued partners in advancing democracy, human rights, security, and sustainable development within the Americas and the Caribbean. Several Observer States present here today are showing their leadership, helping to shape the global agenda and push for solutions to tackle current challenges.

We welcome our Permanent Observers to deepen collaboration with the OAS especially in regional climate resilience, and the blue economy. This commitment is particularly critical for the Caribbean, where ocean sustainability is directly tied to economic survival and human security. We commend the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, held last year here in Antigua and Barbuda, in the same premises. The endorsement of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index marks a major step forward to address challenges faced by SIDS.

We deeply appreciate the Observers who play an active role in supporting our initiatives—our Electoral Observation Missions, our peace missions, the support to the essential work of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, to our multidimensional security projects and cooperation on water, ocean and climate resilience.

Excellencies,

The challenges we face — climate change, insecurity, economic inequality, and governance crises, challenging political matters — are simply too large for any one nation or region to tackle alone. They demand sustained, principled cooperation across borders. In our region, we continue to affirm that democracy is the foundation of freedom, justice, and human dignity. We recognize democracy not only as a political system, but as a catalyst for sustainable development and human progress. But we have too often fallen short of our collective aspirations. And we must do more to bring economic opportunities and resilience in our region for democracy to deliver the expected benefits.

Allow me to conclude with a solemn appeal: the ongoing security, humanitarian, political crises in general, in the Americans and in particular in Haiti demand our urgent and united response. Our region is uniquely positioned to contribute to Haiti’s stabilization, institutional development, and political dialogue. We call on our partners — especially you, esteemed Permanent Observers — to join us in mobilizing coordinated support and maintaining sustained diplomatic engagement. This is in our view is a moral obligation and our shared responsibility. Haiti’s path to peace and recovery will depend on our collective action and enduring solidarity.

Finally, I want to share with you that before the end of the year, most likely in November coming, we will convene a special meeting of Permanent Observers to be informed about the projects for which funding is required in the new 2026 budget. I look forward to your interest and commitment to support some of these initiatives.

I count on your continued support to uphold the relevance of the OAS and to advance our common goals for peace, security and prosperity. May this General Assembly be an opportunity to strengthen ties between OAS Member States and our Permanent Observers.

Thank you.