WASHINGTON, CMC—Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, Albert Ramdin, on Monday launched his official bid to become the next secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), outlining his vision for the hemispheric body.
“Enormous challenges and diverse needs, goals, and aspirations confront our hemisphere. Yet I believe these challenges and crises are creating space for new thinking and opportunities,” said the 67-year-old Ramdin, who previously served as OAS Assistant Secretary General dating back to 2005.
Ramdin, who will face Ruben Ramirez Lezcano of Paraguay in the March 10 election, said that “strategic visioning must be accompanied by a renewed commitment to the original goals and purposes of this necessary hemispheric institution: peace, stability, security, sustainable development, and equality.”
Ramdin aims to become the first national of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to be elected to the top post of the OAS. His candidacy, officially endorsed by CARICOM leaders in February last year, was reaffirmed by the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) in May 2024.
Addressing the OAS Permanent Council, Ramdin said it had been his privilege to have worked with the OAS in different roles and capacities and that he had the unique opportunity to understand and appreciate the inner workings of this institution.
“I also saw the unmistakable impact of the OAS on critical hemispheric issues,” he said, adding that even as a young child, he dreamt of a world where citizens would not be forced to seek opportunity in foreign lands but would enjoy peace, security, stability and access to explore and develop the resources of their land.
“Today, that dream is still alive, and that young Surinamese boy stands before you – with less hair, mostly grey, but more hope, dedication, and commitment than ever before. Friends, there is a lot of work to be done. It will not be easy and the road ahead is long, but I am determined to walk with you through these demanding times and look to the future with hope,” Ramdin said.
Ramdin said that the OAS must be repositioned at this point in history to face the changing global landscape and that, as a believer in the power of multilateralism, “we can and must work together to create a better world, as we depend on each other in so many ways.
“I believe in regionalism as geographic proximity matters; advancing peace and prosperity starts in your neighborhood. I believe in strong inter-governmental institutions to foster cooperation and consensus and the member state’s driven mandates to advance democracy, peace, security, and prosperity. I believe in strong and independent judicial systems, rule of law, inclusive and effective governance toward sustainable development.”
Ramdin also believes in the OAS’s role and relevance in continuing a zone of peace in the Western Hemisphere.
However, he acknowledged that the political will and commitment of all are needed for this, adding that engagement is a critical element of multilateralism and intergovernmental relations and, as such, a tool to progress and succeed. ”
The Suriname politician and diplomat said that the world is experiencing turbulent times, with major areas of conflict in the Middle East and Europe.
“The humanitarian toll is high, and the threat of additional conflict situations is constant. Resolving these conflicts necessitates diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiations towards peaceful solutions. The cost of reparation will always be higher than the cost of prevention.
“We are fortunate not to have comparable conflicts in our hemisphere. It is our collective duty, as part of the leadership of our respective countries and as members of the oldest grouping of nations in the world, starting in 1890 under various names leading up to the OAS in 1948 – to ensure no violations against humanity”.
Ramdin said if elected to the post of secretary general, he is committed to investing in and actively engaging in collaborative efforts, promoting dialogue and action on this issue with all member states.
“Our principal modus operandi needs to be based on open, transparent, and constructive dialogue with an open mind and respect for different perspectives,” he said, adding, “It is of critical importance to be an effective multilateral organization to generate solutions, based on respect, political will, and commitment.
“I believe that in achieving this, we must strike a balance between short-term problem-solving and crisis management and longer-term peaceful and sustainable development of our countries,” Ramdin said, adding, “Our efforts must continue to focus on institutional capacity-building, proactive approaches, and quiet diplomacy to mitigate and better prevent conflict and tension in our regions.”
“Colleagues, no country, regardless of its power, can fully and comprehensively address all its challenges by itself.”
Ramdin said cross-border organized crime, illegal flows of capital, trafficking in persons, and smuggling all cause grave danger in this hemisphere. He said these issues undermine regional and global peace, noting that nations must strengthen cooperation, share intelligence, and implement coordinated efforts across borders.
He acknowledged that migration is one of the problems facing the hemispheric body, saying, “We need to address this issue head-on.
“It will require short-term actions and inclusive dialogue about the flow of people in the long term. We must address the fundamental issues and the underlying circumstances that cause migration – including the lack of employment and opportunity and inadequate development within our borders. All people and families want a steady income and the chance at a better life. We must do more to meet the needs of our people within our borders.”
Ramdin said that the second root cause of the current migration challenge is security, and both of these issues can be addressed if countries dialogue, collaborate, and mobilize more effectively.
“I firmly believe migration will become a more manageable issue when we give committed focus and action to the underlying causes.”
Ramdin said that many member states have prioritized integral and sustainable development.
“Therefore, there is an absolute need for more vigorous dialogue on the allocation of resources on the development agenda at the political level. Our member states confront various challenges daily, including natural and artificial disasters, access to clean drinking water, resource development and management, and renewable and nonrenewable energy supplies.
“We must continuously review where we stand and what resources are available. For integral development to be achieved, we must maintain our focus on education, training, and collaboration on all fronts.”
He said the programs and strategies designed to build and support economic resilience in member states must also be reviewed.
“I commit to supporting streamlined initiatives that foster innovation and address global challenges, such as the climate crisis, debt burden, and adequate financing for development, through multilateral collaboration, especially engaging sub-regional development banks.
“The OAS is not a development financing agency, but given the impact of inadequate growth and resilience, development matters must be included in our political discourse.”
On the issue of human rights, “he said, We all share the fundamental premise that human rights are based on the highest possible principle: the dignity of man.
“There are no exceptions to this belief, yet the vast socio-economic inequality and poverty that still characterizes our region continues to challenge the dignity of millions of our people. “Human rights and fundamental freedoms are important elements which must be nurtured. Countries have pledged their commitment to these issues. Let us honor these commitments to protect our people.”
Ramdin said that sustainable development in today’s world is not only the responsibility of elected governments; it is a collective responsibility. He said Civil society also has a role to play; therefore, it must be engaged and assume responsibility.
“A “whole-of-society” approach is required. That is my firm belief. The international community’s role, including global financial institutions, is also relevant.
“We have come a long way in ensuring that space is created to facilitate and respect the views of civil society. An inclusive model of governance promotes closer interaction and understanding.
“Again, a whole of society approach is needed. This is essential to embracing democracy, safeguarding human rights, and promoting sustainable development. It is crucial to include all our people.”
Ramdin said the OAS track record shows it has not worked in isolation and has built meaningful relations with other regional agencies, including the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU).
“I am very pleased that there are many agreements between the OAS and the United Nations, its specialized agencies, and other national and International Organizations. To date, the OAS has 75 permanent observers. We must continue to strengthen these ties. We are part of the world and have an important, fulfilling role.”
Ramdin took the opportunity to outline three priority areas if elected, including elaborating on and expanding the inner workings of the OAS, fostering inter-American institutional collaboration, and working together to implement an agenda for the future based on the mandates emanating from the different subregions and the collectivity of the Summit of the Americas in their work programs.
He said that the third focus area is stability and long-term sustainable development.
“I favor promoting the transfer of innovative technologies to build sustainable and productive economies. I favor a “whole of society” or a “whole of the Americas” approach to foster peace, security, and prosperity.
“We must not forget that we are part of a wider and larger globe, where there is stiff competition for all productive resources, including innovative technologies. Through the OAS, we can prepare to engage beneficially in this process,” Ramdin told the Permanent Council.
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