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OAS ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL, RAMDIN CHALLENGES GRADUATING CLASS 48 OF THE INTER-AMERICAN DEFENSE COLLEGE TO FIND THE OPPORTUNITIES IN TODAY’S WORLD CRISES

“We must remember, every crisis comes with seeds of opportunity and change,” remarked Assistant Secretary General Ramdin to the 48th graduating class of the Inter-American Defense College during the Commencement ceremony, yesterday June 25th.

Recognizing the world has undergone transformative changes with the onset of the world financial crisis, the Assistant Secretary General observed that graduates should prepare themselves for a changing world order.

The 21st century will be marked by different actors seeking greater leverage on the world stage. “Countries such as China, Brazil, India, and groups like the European Union are now major, regional powers in the global system, “underscored Ramdin who encouraged the graduating students to reflect on the evolving political and economic landscape in the Americas. He called on the graduating class to remember that they “have a responsibility to further nurture democracy and work toward strengthening democratic governance by upholding the right of each individual to personal security and a better quality of life”

To accomplish these objectives, the Assistant Secretary General highlighted the importance of working in partnership with the Inter-American Defense College and Board. “We must continue to work towards stronger, more effective bilateral and sub-regional cooperation on security-related matters through our reinvigorated relationship with our partners in the inter-American system. The redefined partnership with the Inter-American College and Board is essential in fulfilling the mandates of the Organization in such areas as security, demining, natural disasters, peace and stability.”

The Assistant Secretary General, reminded students and the College of the significant milestones achieved within the inter-American system. Citing both the Fifth Summit of the Americas and General Assembly in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Ramdin stressed how these meetings have ushered in unprecedented opportunities for constructive dialogue and multilateralism in the Western Hemisphere. “Of course, the most historic achievement was the repeal of the 1962 Resolution which suspended the government of Cuba from participating in the OAS” Ramdin added.

Finally, Ambassador Ramdin closed his remarks stressing that security in the Americas requires a holistic approach—one in which no country acts alone—irrespective of strength—but in which all work together to harness the power of the common good through multilateralism.

Reference: E-210/09