ACTIVITIES
UPCOMING EVENTS |
PRESIDENT FERNANDEZ ADDRESSED THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES DURING HIS LAST VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez visited the Organization of American States during his last visit to the United States. President Fernandez talked about Latin America’s transitions to democracy and the region’s challenges and opportunities to strengthen their democratic institutions, increase the governments’ transparency, combat poverty and increase social inclusion. In his speech he also mentioned the important role of the OAS in promoting democratic values in the region. At the extraordinary session of the OAS Permanent Council, President Fernandez made reference of various important issues related to the economic, political and social development of the Latin American and Caribbean region. He highlighted the recent social mobilizations that have occurred in several countries in the region as protests against poverty, corruption and political instability. This social unrest poses the main challenge, President Fernandez commented, to the consolidation of democracy in Latin America. “Therefore, there should be a local, national and international active response to satisfy the needs for economic growth and development and social inclusion that our people are demanding from their leaders” President Fernandez mentioned. As a response to these challenges, the Dominican Republic is the only country that has created a commission for the UN Development Goals. Additionally, in his address, President Fernandez called for action to reduce the rising of oil prices, which has begun to negatively affect the region. He mentioned that the OAS, as a platform for political consensus and dialogue should place this issue as a key priority in its agenda. “Issues related to energy, are key areas that influence the sustainable development of our nations” President Fernandez noted “and as such, these topics should be placed as essential elements for discussion by the international community”. Thus, he recommend to place the topic of energy as part of the OAS agenda of sustainable development. Natasha Despotovic, Executive Director of GFDD accompanied President Fernandez in several meetings held in Washington DC and also attended his address to the OAS Permanent Council. |