By Caribbean News Global 
WASHINGTON, USA – The Caribbean candidate for secretary-general of the Organization of American States (OAS), María Fernanda Espinosa (according to the order established at the meeting of the Permanent Council on February 6) will present her proposal and initiatives to lead the hemispheric Organization during the 2020-2025 period to representatives of civil society accredited to the OAS, on Thursday, March 5 at 09:30 EST (14:30 GMT) at the Hall of the Americas at OAS headquarters in Washington DC. The election for the post of secretary-general will be held in March 2020.
“The proposals that I have presented [previously] can only be put into practice if there is the decision and the political will of the States to begin a new moment in the history of the Organization, one that responds to the great challenges facing our hemisphere. This vision requires strong leadership, collective action, and shared responsibilities, which will enable us to write together a new chapter in the history of hemispheric integration. I am ready and willing to join in making that vision a reality,” Espinosa said.
Listen to the live broadcast with interpretation in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese – on the OAS Website and the OAS Facebook page
“My professional background and my national and international experience allow me not only to understand what the OAS requires here and now, but also to recognize the correct role that the secretary-general must play in building consensus among member states to advance the collective agenda of member states.
“The work in which I have been intensely engaged over the past 30 years has prepared me to serve the member states of this Organisation – without exception – in the fulfillment of its highest goals under all four pillars on which it stands.
“I will work with the greatest commitment and responsibility for strengthening democracy, promoting and protecting human rights, fostering integral development, and promoting multidimensional security as set forth in the mandate and vision of our Organization,” presenting to the permanent council, vision and practical plans, last month.
“I have a phrase that I repeat not because I am campaigning, but long before,” said Espinosa; “there is so much greatness in smallness.” “So, for the multilateral system, for me, for the OAS – there is no small country. Dignity, sovereignty, smartness, contribution, talent has nothing to do with square kilometers of demographics,” she emphasised.
Related:
- Building a hemispheric identity, added value for the OAS
- Progress and challenges of the Indigenous Peoples of Abya Yala
- 2020: A key year to meet climate goals and prevent spiralling hunger
