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OAS COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS HIGHLIGHTED

The accomplishments of the Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development (IACD) in such areas as cooperation policies, training and human resource development through information technology and best practices are the highlight of a report covering the last four years. Despite financial constraints, the Organization of American States (OAS) technical assistance arm recorded good progress in these and other areas during the period 2000-2004.

So concluded Ron Scheman today, as he delivered the IACD Report—his final as Director General—during the ninth regular session of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI), under whose purview the Agency falls. He outlined as well his observations as to how the OAS itself could forge a dynamic development for the Americas.

“In these last four years we have proven that all of them are within the reach of the OAS if we want,” said Scheman, reiterating his view that “we will be successful in designing quality projects only to the extent that we engage the professionals in our countries that are responsible for the substantive issues.” In the report, Scheman told the CIDI meeting: “I believe intensely in a strong development role for the OAS, especially for our smaller and more vulnerable member countries.”

The member state delegations thanked Scheman for his leadership of the Agency since it was established in early 2000.

Chaired by Juan Carlos Garaguso, Director of Multilateral Cooperation in Argentina’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, the CIDI meeting also elected a new IACD Management Board, comprising the United States, Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Grenada. The respective member states will determine what individuals actually represent them on the IACD Board.

Meanwhile, Honduran Permanent Representative to the OAS, Ambassador Salvador Rodezno, was elected as Chairman of the Permanent Executive Committee of CIDI (CEPCIDI), to succeed his Venezuelan counterpart, Ambassador Jorge Valero. Ambassador Izben Williams, Permanent Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis, was elected as Vice Chairman.

Members were also elected to the CIDI’s Nonpermanent Specialized Committees (CENPES). Member state nationals on these CENPES are elected in their personal capacity, to analyze among other things the technical soundness of projects submitted for funding.

The meeting considered as well a number of reports that will be referred to the upcoming 34th regular session of the OAS General Assembly, scheduled for Quito, Ecuador, June 6 to 8. These reports cover a range of OAS technical areas, among them the Inter-American Committees and forums on education; social development; poverty, equity and social inclusion; labor; trade and integration; and sustainable development.

Reference: E-075/04