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OAS and the Ana G. Mendez University System Sign Cooperation Agreement for Human Developement Programs

  November 18, 2010

The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Ana G. Mendez University System today signed a Cooperation Agreement to establish reciprocal relations aimed at strengthening education and human development in the Americas.

The OAS initiative and the University System is intended to promote high achievement, social development and opportunities for knowledge through its scholarship programs, distance learning courses, and academic training and research.

“This is the environment in which we will enjoy the benefits of this agreement which brings the opportunity to expand the OAS consortium of universities and the developing of educational projects and the awarding of joint scholarships for the benefit of the 34 OAS Member States,” said Maria Levens, Director of the OAS Department of Human Development, Education and Culture.

The agreement that was signed by the five universities of the University System Ana G. Mendez strengthens the work of the Secretariat General of the OAS in pursuing the development of its Member States. José Mendez, President of the University System Ana G. Mendez said "it is a pleasure to sign the joint agreement that will permit advances on human development issues and contribute to achieving the goals of the hemisphere."

In addition to the signing of the Cooperation Agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the General Secretariat and the Universidad Metropolitana (UMET), a member of the University System Ana G. Mendez, to launch the course titled, "Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry and Construction," which is addressed to 32 professional fellows of the public or private sectors with citizenship and/or permanent residence in English-speaking Member States of the Caribbean.

The signing ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Organization’s General Secretariat in Washington, DC, and was attended by the Director of Human Development, Education and Culture of the OAS, Maria Levens; the president of the Ana G. Mendez University System, Jose F. Mendez; and the Rector of the Universidad Metropolitana, Federico Matheu. The event also was attended by other OAS officials and directors.

The OAS, through its Department of Human Development, Education and Culture, has the fundamental mission to promote and strengthen human capital formation by providing educational opportunities to citizens of the Americas.

Reference: E-446/10