WASHINGTON, CMC – Suriname’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Albert Ramdin, was elected as the new secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS) for a five-year term, urging multilateralism and calling on member states to be united in the fight against a changing global environment.
Ramdin was elected by acclamation following the withdrawal of Rubén Ramírez, the Foreign Minister of Paraguay. He succeeds Luis Almagro, who was first elected as OAS Secretary General in 2015 and re-elected in 2020.
“In a world that is quickly evolving, the foundation of a strong democracy continues to be the cornerstone of freedom, justice, and human dignity,” Ramdin told the 56th Special Session of the OAS General Assembly.
“We realize we exist in challenging times, constantly and rapidly changing roads, and as we face these challenges of the present and look towards the future, I believe we must listen to each other, understand our different perspectives…while looking for common grounds.”
He said that common ground could be found in multilateralism, security, governance based on the rule of law and democratic principles, and respect for human rights. He added, “These exist in unison; they are not separate. Without one, the other cannot be fully attained.
“Multilateralism is, in my view, an experience, the most important tool to achieve the necessary intergovernmental collaboration to meet the collective needs of our people and serve the needs and interest of member states.”
Ramdin said the environmental challenges occasioned by the climate crisis must be adequately and appropriately addressed. Addressing poverty, promoting education, and promoting gender equality “should all be part of our collective and individual …policy, the aim being that the benefits of progress are to be shared by all, leaving no one behind.”
Ramdin reiterated the need for all countries to be united in the future, saying, “No country alone can solve all the problems effectively within its borders.
“We must stand in solidarity with each other and mobilize all capabilities of the Secretariat, the Inter-American system and all the relevant sub-regional organizations, the private sector of the Americas and build efficient partnerships as we execute this new agenda for the future.”
Ramdin said he was counting on a “strong, active relationship” with member states “as we identify and execute the way forward.
“As I stand here today, my commitment is absolutely to serve all member states of this organization, and I would like to reiterate our collective strength lies in our ability to work together…as I said, one cannot do it alone…unity requires collaboration, more specifically dialogue, consultation and collective resolve around the table…even when we have different viewpoints,” Ramdin said.
Ramdin, 67, who has served as Suriname’s top diplomat since 2020 and was previously the OAS’ assistant secretary general for two terms from 2005 through 2015, is pushing for greater efficiency in the organization and highlighted the need for it to support better Haiti, which is facing a conflict against armed gangs with limited international aid.
“Every crisis must bring an opportunity on which we must capitalize. I am absolutely invigorated by the support received from many worldwide and look forward to a very effective and productive time together,” he said.
The Suriname government said, “It is a great honor for Suriname that the vast majority of the member states have supported our candidate.”
Suriname’s President Chan Santokhi has praised Ramdin’s “calm assurance” as a trusted advisor and adept diplomat.
In his address, Ramdin also said, “In my opinion and my experience, the most important tool to achieve the necessary collaboration among governments is to respond to the needs of our peoples and serve the needs and interests of our member states.”
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