GENERAL SECRETARIAT

Chapter XVII of the Charter describes the authorities and functions of the General Secretariat, the central and permanent organ of the OAS, which has its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Secretary General, elected by the General Assembly, directs the General Secretariat, is its legal representative, and participates with voice but without vote in all meetings of the Organization. The Secretary General may bring to the attention of the General Assembly or the Permanent Council any matter which, in his opinion, might threaten the peace and security of the hemisphere or the development of the member States. The Secretary General may establish such offices within the General Secretariat as are necessary, determine the number of staff members, appoint them, regulate their authorities and duties, and fix their remuneration. The Assistant Secretary General, also elected by the General Assembly, is the Secretary of the Permanent Council. He serves as an advisory officer to the Secretary General, whose functions he performs during the latter's temporary absence or disability. He acts as the Secretary General's delegate in all matters that the Secretary General may entrust to him.

• Unit for The Promotion of Democracy (UPD)
• Fellowships Department
• Office of the Inspector General
• Department of Public Information
• Protocol Office

• Offices of the OAS General Secretariat in the Member States
• Art Museum of the Americas
• Columbus Memorial Library
• Coordination and Cooperation with other Organizations

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