Albert Ramdin has been elected as the Secretary-General of the OAS for the 2025-2030 term, following unanimous support during a special assembly session. His election is backed by CARICOM and the U.S., highlighting confidence in his diplomatic abilities. Key challenges he will face include democracy, regional security, and socio-economic development.
Albert Ramdin, Suriname’s Foreign Minister, has been elected as the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS) for the 2025-2030 term. This historic election took place during the 56th Special Session of the OAS General Assembly, where Ramdin was elected by acclamation following the withdrawal of his competitor Rubén Ramírez from Paraguay. Ramdin will take over from Luis Almagro, who has served since 2015.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), through the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), praised Ramdin’s election, highlighting the member states’ confidence in his abilities. Ramdin possesses extensive experience in foreign policy and previously served as the OAS Assistant Secretary-General, which positions him well to tackle pressing issues including peace, security, and democracy in the region.
COFCOR expressed optimism about Ramdin’s leadership capabilities, asserting that he would maintain the OAS Charter’s principles while guiding the organization’s responses to various regional challenges. The U.S. government also congratulated Ramdin and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with him to uphold the OAS’s mission of defending democracy and enhancing human rights and prosperity throughout the Americas.
The U.S. statement underscored the critical importance of regional stability for national interests and emphasized the need for strong alliances with democratic partners to tackle shared challenges, such as illegal migration and transnational crime. The outgoing Secretary-General, Luis Almagro, was commended for his efforts in promoting democracy and addressing undemocratic influences in the region.
Ramdin’s election is viewed as a significant moment for the OAS, with stakeholders looking forward to his potential contributions in addressing key challenges and shaping the organization’s direction for the future.
The election of Albert Ramdin as Secretary-General of the OAS signals an important transition in leadership aimed at addressing critical regional issues. His extensive experience in foreign relations, along with support from CARICOM and the U.S., places him in a strong position to guide the organization effectively. The focus will be on upholding democracy, ensuring regional security, and fostering economic prosperity for the Americas.
Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com
