Development Must Stand Alongside Democracy, Human Rights and Security, Says Chair of OAS Development Council

The Chair of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI), Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders of Antigua and Barbuda, has called for renewed emphasis on development as a central pillar of the Organization of American States (OAS), following an informal meeting of Member States to discuss the priorities of the Council during his Chairmanship.

Representatives of Member States joined the Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI) in an enthusiastic, candid and highly productive discussion on strengthening practical cooperation to advance economic and social development throughout the Americas.

Ambassador Sanders warmly commended Member States for the quality of their participation.

“I was greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and practical spirit that characterised the discussion,” he said. “Delegations brought forward constructive ideas and demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening CIDI as the OAS forum for advancing integral development through cooperation and partnership.”

Participants expressed broad support for a practical, results-oriented approach that strengthens partnerships, improves institutional coordination, mobilises technical cooperation and ensures continuity from one Chairmanship to the next.

The meeting also reaffirmed that development should be regarded as an essential pillar of the OAS, working alongside democracy, human rights and security in promoting stability, opportunity and prosperity throughout the Hemisphere.

Ambassador Sanders welcomed the participation of the Executive Secretary for Integral Development, Ambassador Isabelle Valois, noting that the Secretariat had carefully recorded the observations and recommendations made by Member States.

“The discussion provided valuable guidance not only for my Chairmanship but also for the continuing work of SEDI in supporting Member States,” he said. “The active engagement of both delegations and the Secretariat gives me great confidence in our ability to move from discussion to practical results.”

To strengthen institutional continuity, Ambassador Sanders announced that a Chair’s Summary and Follow-up will be prepared for all meetings during his Chairmanship. These summaries will capture the principal themes emerging from discussions and identify areas for future action, providing a practical reference for Member States, future Chairs and the Secretariat.

The Chair’s Work Plan focuses on creating the conditions for business success in the Americas through greater certainty, stronger institutional capacity and improved access to investment and finance. Its objective is to strengthen CIDI as the principal forum within the OAS for advancing integral development through practical cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for the peoples of the Americas.

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