April - July, 2009

On July 29, 7 participants from Meridian International Center visited the Historic OAS Main Building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations escorted the group on a guided tour of the building.  Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave a general overview of the Organization. The session concluded with  Laura Martínez, Head Legal Official, Department of Legal Cooperation, Secretariat for Legal Affairs.

On July 28, 47 members of  the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) visited the OAS Historic Main Building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations escorted the group on a guided tour of the OAS Main Building. Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave the group a general overview on the Organization. After a brief Q & A session Raúl Alconada, Director, Department of Sustainable Democracy and Special Missions, Secretariat for Political Affairs, spoke to the participants about Democracy and its challenges throughout the Hemisphere. Human Rights was addressed by Karla Quintana, Human Rights Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The informational session concluded with Gala Redington, Head Advisor, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, who spoke on the role and programs of the Secretariat for Multidimensional Security.

On July 24, a group of 24 U.S. State Department Interns were escorted on a guided tour of the Main Building by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave the group a general overview of the Organization. Ambassador Hector E. Morales, Permanent Representative of the U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States, went on to outline the role of the U.S. to the OAS. The visit concluded with a guided visit to the Art Museum conducted by Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas.

On July 22, 38 summer scholars from George Washington University visited the OAS. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations gave the group a guided tour of the Historic OAS Main Building. Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave an overview of the OAS. The students received information on the MOAS program by Nelly Robinson, MOAS Coordinator, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. The session concluded with a guided tour of the Art Museum of the Americas by Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas, Department of Cultural Services, Secretariat for External Relations.

On July 21, 14 student from University UNIDERP received a guided tour of the OAS Historic Main Building by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave an overview of the Organization. The students received information on the MOAS program by Nelly Robinson, MOAS Coordinator, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. The session concluded with Mr. Marcus Arbizu De Souza Campos, Counselor, Alternate Representative, Permanent Mission of Brazil to the OAS, outlining Brazil’s role as a Permanent Member to the OAS.

On July 20, 25 students from Presidential Classroom were welcomed and given a brief tour of the Historic Main Building by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. Nelly Robinson, MOAS Coordinator, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, spoke about the MOAS program. Hilaire Sobers, Human Rights Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, briefed the students on Human Rights. An overview on Multidimensional Security was given by Ambassador Alexandre Addor-Neto, Secretary, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security. Claudia S. de Windt, Senior Legal Specialist, Chief Environmental Law, Policy and Good Governance, Department of Sustainable Development, finalized by outlining the challenges of Sustainable Development and the Environment.

On July 17, 9 participants of Interaction Times were escorted on a tour of the OAS Historic Main Building by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave an overview of the OAS. Nelly Robinson, MOAS Coordinator, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, spoke about the MOAS program. The session finalized with a presentation on the role of Brazil as a Permanent Member Country to the OAS by Ambassador Ruy de Lima Casaes e Silva, Permanent Representative of Brazil to the OAS, Minister Counselor Lineu Pupo De Paula, and other members from the Permanent Mission of Brazil to the OAS.

On July 16, 39 students from La Universidad Pontificia de Comillas attending Georgetown University's program 'Inside Washington, Law Development and Diplomacy' visited the OAS Historic Main Building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, took the students on a guided tour of the building. Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave the students an overview of the organization. Víctor Madrigal Borloz, Coordinator of Records, Executive Secretariat, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, spoke on the Commission’s work in the area of Human Rights. The visit was concluded with Ambassador Javier Sancho, Permanent Representative of Spain to the OAS, greeting the students and outlining Spain’s role as  a Permanent Observer Mission to the OAS.

On July 13,  15 high school teachers from throughout the U.S. attending a seminar at Georgetown University received a guided tour of the OAS Historic Main Building with Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, delivered an overview of the OAS and finished with a brief Q & A session.

On July 11, 15 professionals from the Foreign Service Institute visited the OAS.  The group was led on a tour of the OAS Historic Main Building by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations.  An Overview of the Institution followed, delivered by Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations.

On July 9, 14 students from Trinity University received a guided tour of the Historic OAS Main Building with Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations gave  an OAS overview and finished with a Q & A session for the students.

On July 8, the OAS received 43 military personnel from El Colegio de Altos Estudios Estratégicos de El Salvador (CAEE). Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs welcomed the group and escorted them on a guided tour of the OAS Main Building. Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave an overview of the Organization. After a brief question and answer session, Moises Benamor, Head Specialist, Department of State Modernization and Good Governance, Secretariat for Political Affairs, spoke about democracy and its challenges. Gala Redington, Advisor, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, gave an overview on multidimensional security and the challenges it presents in Central America. Norma Colledani, Human Rights Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights,  briefed on the area of human rights. The session concluded with Ambassador Francisco Esteban Laínez, Permanent Representative of the Mission of El Salvador to the OAS outlining the role of El Salvador as a Permanent Representative to the Organization.

On Monday, June 29, 24 students from “Parlamento Juvenil de la República Dominicana” visited the OAS. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, escorted the students on a tour of the Historic Main Building. Jorge Sanin, Head, Permanent Observer Countries & Civil Society, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave them an overview of the OAS. Nelly Robinson, MOAS Coordinator, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave them and overview of the MOAS program. Francisco Cruz, Counselor, Permanent Mission of the Dominican Republic to the OAS welcomed the students and spoke about the role of the Mission of the Dominican Republic, its work and accomplishments as a member of the OAS Permanent Council.

On June 26, 31 military personnel from Academia Nacional de Estudios Políticos y Estratégicos de Chile (ANEPE) visited the OAS. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, welcomed the group and escorted them on a guided tour of the OAS Main Building. Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave an overview of the Organization. Raul Lago, Advisor, Secretariat for Political Affairs, gave an overview on democracy. Abraham Stein, Director, Department for the Coordination of Policies and Programs of Multidimensional Security, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, gave them an overview on the Secretariat for Multidimensional Security. Verónica Gómez, Head Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, gave an overview on human rights.

On June 25, 20 Smithsonian Resident Associates visited the OAS. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, escorted the group on a tour of the Historic Main Building and briefed the group on the Organization. Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas, Department of Cultural Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, took them on a guided tour of the Art Museum of the Americas.

On June 24, 8 Representatives from CIFAL Atlanta visited the OAS. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, escorted the group on a tour of the Historic Main Building. Jorge Sanin, Head, Permanent Observer Countries & Civil Society, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave them an overview of the OAS. Betty Arevalo, Specialist, Department of Human Resources, gave the group an overview of the OAS Internship Program.  

On June 23rd 10 members of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the Americas (FIPA) visited the OAS.  They were greeted by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations who gave them a Tour of the Historic OAS Main Building.  Adam Blackwell, Secretary, Secretariat for External Relations gave them an overview on the Organization.

On June 19, 22 Intern Residents from the Pan American Health Organization visited the OAS main building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, escorted them on a guided tour of the OAS Main Building. Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave them an overview of the organization. Fabian Gonçalves, Exhibit Coordinator, Art Museum of the Americas, Department of Cultural Affairs, Secretary for External Relations, escorted them on a guided tour of the Art Museum of the Americas

On June 18, 65 OAS summer interns received a tour of the OAS Main Building with Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, & Andres Serafini, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave them an overview of the OAS

On June 17, a group of 55 students with the Global Young Leaders Conference visited the OAS. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave them a tour of the historic OAS building. Yadira Soto, Advisor, Office of the Assistant Secretary General, gave them an overview of the OAS. Nelly Robinson, MOAS Coordinator, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave them and overview of the MOAS program.

On June 11, 39 Graduate Students from American University Washington College of Law visited the OAS. Santiago Cantón, Executive Secretary, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, gave them a briefing on human rights at the General Secretariat Building. Subsequently, the students came to the OAS Historic Main Building where they received a tour with Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations.

On June 10, the OAS received a visit of 20 Smithsonian Resident Associates. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave them a tour of the historic building and an overview of the Organization. Subsequently, Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas, Department of Cultural Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, took them on a guided tour of the museum

On June 3, 10 Participants attending a summer session on Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University visited the OAS. The group received a tour of the Main Building by Andres Serafini, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave an overview of the organization. Jorge Baxter, Education Specialist, Department of Education and Culture, Executive Secretariat for Integral Development, spoke on educational curriculum development and training. Pablo Zuñiga, Director, Department of State Modernization and Good Governance, Secretariat for Political Affairs, continued with an overview on the promotion of democracy. The session concluded with Alexandra Barrantes & Rosanna Martinelli, Department of Social Development, Executive Secretariat for Integral Development, giving an overview on the OAS social charter

On May 22, 45 Middle School Students from E.L. Haynes Public Charter School visited the OAS. They were given a tour of the OAS Main Building by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. The Assistant Secretary General Ambassador Albert Ramdin was the invited guest speaker for the students. After their briefing the group was led through the underground tunnel with its famous murals “Roots of Peace”, painted by the Uruguayan Artist, Carlos Páez Villaró, and finished their visit with a tour of the exposition by Haitian Artist Hector Hyppolite by Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas

On May 21, 22 Students from Roanoke College and 7 Students and their Professor from Southern Virginia University were welcomed at the OAS by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs who provided a tour of the OAS Main Building. Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations offered a brief insight on the OAS and its work throughout the region. Ms. Hommes then lead the group to the Art Museum of the Americas to view the exposition of Hector Hyppolite of Haiti

On May 19, a group of 34 Residents from the Pan American Health Organization visited the Main Building of the Organization of American States. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs greeted them with a tour and brief introduction of the OAS. Sherry Stephenson, Chief, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations gave an extensive overview on the Organization.

On May 14, The Miranda Room was the site for a welcome and introduction by Jorge Sanin, Head, Relations with Permanent Observers and Civil Society, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations to members of the Embassy of Korea. They were also given a tour of the OAS Main Building and an overview of the OAS by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations as well as a visit to the Art Museum of the Americas

On May 13, 40 middle school students from California attending La Cumbre Jr. High School, visited the OAS.  The students received a tour of OAS Historic Main Building and an Overview on the Organization by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs.  The visit also included a tour of the Art Museum with Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas, Department of Cultural Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations  

On Friday, May 8th, the Organization of American States received a group of students from the University of Sherbrooke located in Quebec, Canada. They were greeted by Ms. Aline Hommes who offered them a tour of the Main Building. Afterwards an overview of the organization was given by Ambassador Adam Blackwell, Secretary for External Relations. Human Rights were addressed by Mario Lopez, Senior Human Rights Specialist and Ambassador Graeme C. Clark, Permanent Representative of Canada to the OAS spoke of his role as Ambassador and the accomplishments of the Permanent Mission of Canada as a member of the Organization of American States.  

On April 24, 13 juridical professionals from Latin America with Meridian International Center visited the Organization of American States. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, received the group and led them on a tour of the Historic OAS Main Building. The participants were given an overview of the OAS by Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. The program concluded with a discussion on international law with Luis Toro, Senior Legal Advisor, Department of International Law, Secretariat for Legal Affairs.  

On April 23, 15 students participating in the Model OAS representing Trinidad & Tobago, and 7 staff members from the North Warren County High School visited the Organization of American States. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, received the group, led them on a tour of the Historic OAS Main Building and gave them an overview of the organization.  

On April 20, 18 high school seniors and freshman university students from Nicaragua and Venezuela, accompanied by 7 staff members with Partners of the Americas visited the Organization of American States. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, received the group and led them on a tour of the Historic OAS Main Building. Pablo Zuñiga, Senior Specialist, Department of State Modernization and Good Governance, Secretariat for Political Affairs, led an interactive and lively discussion on democracy and democratic values. Juliana Bedoya, Consultant, Department of Education and Culture, Executive Secretariat for Integral Development, briefed the students on the importance of democratic principles and practices. Nelly Robinson, MOAS Coordinator, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, concluded the program with a presentation on the Model OAS.  

On April 15, 16 students from Spain studying International law, political science and economics from the Asociación Internacional de Juristas INTER IURIS paid a visit to the Organization of American States. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations led the group on a tour of the Historic OAS Main Building. Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations gave them an overview on the Organization. Counselor Jose Maria de la Torre greeted the students and gave them an overview of the role of Spain as a Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States.  

On April 14, 43 high school students from throughout the United States participating with the Close-Up Foundation visited the Organization of American States. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, received the group, led them on a tour of the Historic OAS Main Building and gave them an overview of the organization.  

On April 8, 11 representatives from the League of Women Voters of Maryland visited the Organization of American States. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, received the group, led them on a tour of the Historic OAS Main Building and gave them an overview of the organization. The program concluded with a visit to the Art Museum of the Americas to view the exposition – Space Unlimited.  

On April 6, 54 participants comprised of 30 Puerto Rican students and 24 Mexican professionals with The Washington Center for Internships visited the Organization of American States. The group was welcomed and led on a tour of the Historic OAS Main Building by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. An Overview of the OAS was delivered by Jorge Sanin, Head, Relations with Permanent Observers and Civil Society, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. To conclude the visit Betty Arevalo, Intern Coordinator, Department of Human Resources, gave an informative power point presentation on Communication and Negotiation Skills.   

On April 6, 8 Argentinean university students from La Universidad de la Matanza, visited the Organization of American States. The group was welcomed and led on a tour of the Historic OAS Main Building by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. An Overview of the OAS was delivered by Jorge Sanin, Head, Relations with Permanent Observers and Civil Society, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations.  

On April 3, 9 high school students from upstate New York’s Hadley-Luzerne High School paid a visit to the Organization of American States.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, received the group and led them on a tour of the Historic OAS Main Building. Nelly Robinson, Coordinator MOAS, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations addressed the students and explained how The Model OAS General Assembly Program (MOAS) is a simulation of the proceedings of the General Assembly of the OAS, where through role-playing; students are given a chance to represent the OAS Member countries. The briefing concluded with remarks from Ambassador Hector Morales, Permanent Representative of the United States to the OAS.  

On April 3, 94 middle school students from Westfield High School visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations and Andrés Serafini, Department of International Affairs greeted the students, divided them into two groups and led them on a tour of the OAS Historic Main Building. The program also included a walk through the underground painted tunnel with the theme "Roots of Peace" by Uruguayan Artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. The visit concluded with a tour of the Museum of the Americas – Space Unlimited exhibit – led by Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas, Department of Cultural Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations.