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OAS ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL CALLS FOR REDOUBLING EFFORTS
TO INCREASE INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION IN THE REGION

The Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (José Miguel Insulza), Albert R. Ramdin, today reiterated the importance of implementing policies of entrepreneurship and education that encourage and support young people of the region in their formation, as part of key strategies for long-term development.

While opening a Roundtable on Science and Entrepreneurship, within the framework of the 38th Regular Session of the General Assembly, in Medellin, Colombia, Ramdin underscored the need to continue increasing investment in these areas to foster democracy and stability in the region.

Ramdin highlighted efforts of the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT), a private sector initiative that works in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the OAS, with the purpose of reducing poverty and unemployment through the training of young entrepreneurs for the creation of business. “The YABT works in a meaningful and concrete manner to provide opportunities for economic progress and empowerment to young people across the Americas,” the Assistant Secretary General said, adding that YABT has become an essential partner for economic growth and development.

“I expect that the debate we are initiating will shed more light on the path our region should follow in order to realize the full potential of our youth. I believe that education, science, innovation and entrepreneurship are critical in that regard,” noted Ramdin.

During his remarks, the Assistant Secretary General pointed out that almost two-thirds of the population in Latin America and the Caribbean is under age 35. Considering this significant youth population, he stressed “it is vitally important to focus now on the next generation of business and political leaders, and the scholars that will help to shape the way in which we view the world of tomorrow and the policy decisions that must inform the way toward a bright future filled with opportunities.”

“Only by investing strategically can we expect improvements in quality of life and the economic development of the region, as well as the possibility of closing the scientific and technological gap between developing and developed countries, as well as between our own region and other regions in the world,” emphasized the Assistant Secretary General.

In this regard, Ramdin expressed his confidence in that this event organized with the support of the University of Antioquia, Colombia’s National Service of Learning (SENA, for its acronym in Spanish) and the City of Medellin will contribute to the debates of the Member States, which will focus on the theme of “Youth and Democratic Values.”

Reference: E-200/08