Dialogue of Heads of Delegation, the Secretary General, the Assistant Secretary General and Civil Society Representatives, Workers, the Private Sector and other Social Actors

Data

Status

Active

Start

2021

Implementation

Social Networks

@OAS_CivilSoc

The Dialogue is a key platform for interaction between civil society and Member States, held annually within the framework of the regular sessions of the General Assembly of the OAS. It serves as the primary mechanism for civil society participation, enabling direct exchanges between diverse social actors, civil society organizations, and representatives of Member States.

This event aims to foster meaningful participation by providing a forum where civil society can present interventions on pressing issues, share perspectives, and contribute to the negotiations of resolutions. Member States, in turn, engage in dialogue by responding to these interventions, facilitating an exchange of ideas and proposals.

The Dialogue is structured around the theme of the General Assembly, ensuring that interventions remain relevant to the broader agenda of the OAS. Through this process, the event helps generate valuable inputs, recommendations, and best practices that contribute to decision-making within the Organization.

By strengthening civil society’s role in multilateral discussions, the Dialogue contributes to more transparent, participatory, and responsive governance within the OAS framework.

Objectives

Facilitate a space for exchange within the framework of the regular sessions of the General Assembly, where civil society can present interventions and Member States can respond with comments.
To encourage the active participation of civil society, so that its voices, concerns and proposals are heard in the deliberative process of the General Assembly.
To gather input and generate recommendations on the theme of the General Assembly, contributing to the formulation of policies, resolutions or initiatives within the framework of the hemispheric agenda.
To promote dialogue and cooperation among the representatives of the Member States and civil society, strengthening interaction and mutual understanding.
To guarantee an inclusive and representative process, allowing the participation of diverse civil society actors, including grassroots organizations, social actors, and groups in vulnerable situations.
To strengthen the role of civil society in multilateral decision-making, facilitating the integration of its perspectives in the discussions and agreements of the General Assembly.

Activities

Annual organization of the Dialogues within the framework of the OAS General Assemblies, as the main forum for civil society participation in the Organization.
Facilitation of direct exchange between diverse social actors, civil society organizations and Member States.
Promotion of participation, diversity and representativeness, ensuring the inclusion of different sectors of civil society.
Strengthening pluralism and the promotion of a key space for the formulation of proposals, best practices and concrete recommendations directed to the Member States and the OAS General Secretariat.
Implementation of improvements and modernization of participation mechanisms, including:

- Electronic systematization of the civil society registry.

- More efficient structuring of events.

- Digitalization of processes to optimize registration and access to information on the Dialogues.

More Results

Results

600+ requests for participation from civil society organizations registered at each regular session of the OAS General Assembly.

Facilitation of the participation of approximately 400 civil society representatives during regular sessions of the OAS General Assembly.

Strengthening of Dialogue as one of the core mechanisms for civil society engagement in OAS processes.

Direct and meaningful exchange between social actors, civil society organizations, and Member States.

Promotion of pluralism, diversity, and inclusion in civil society participation processes.

Concrete proposals, good practices, and recommendations from civil society addressed to Member States and the OAS General Secretariat.

Beneficiary Countries