Mark Lambrides
Director
The Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) supports OAS Member States in efforts to accelerate the transition to sustainability through policy and technical assistance; capacity building; enabling improved practices that lead to tangible environmental,
social, and economic gains that foster sustainable development and Inter-American cooperation. DSD further promotes policies and strategies grounded on empirical data to enable long-term hemispheric security, democracy, and economic prosperity while prompting inclusiveness and integration.


The most recent policy mandate for the DSD emanated from the Fourth Inter-American Meeting on Sustainable Development (Nassau, The Bahamas) in 2023. 

Consistent with the ministerial mandates, the DSD is organized to support the execution of projects in member states according to four primary program areas: (1) Addressing Climate Change in the Americas, (2) Integrated Water Resources Management, (3) Disaster Risk Management and Building Resilience, and (4) Accelerating clean, sustainable, renewable, and just energy transitions in the Americas. 

 The Department of Sustainable Development is under the Executive Secretariat for Integral Development.


@OAS_DEVELOPMENT


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Structure
The Climate Action section aids Member States in mitigation and adaptation efforts by providing access to climate finance, project development, and technical assistance, including the establishment of a Hemispheric Hub on Climate Finance. It promotes sustainable consumption and production through circular economy concepts, alongside programs aimed at addressing climate challenges. These efforts seek to enhance resilience and facilitate the transition to a more sustainable future.
The Disaster Risk Management (DRM) section, leveraging its technical expertise, aids Member States in adapting to and managing vulnerabilities to natural disasters, which are increasing in frequency and severity. DRM coordinates multilateral efforts in disaster prevention, mitigation, and response, using various tools and resources to ensure effective management and swift cross-border responses to emergencies.
The Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas promotes sustainable energy development for a net-zero future. It supports countries in transitioning to clean, resilient, and inclusive energy through multilateral cooperation, private sector engagement, and outreach. Guided by six pillars—Cleaner Energy Sources, Universal Access, Energy Efficiency, Regional Integration, Energy Resilience, and Innovation—it serves as the main forum for energy dialogue and cooperation in the Americas.
The Water Section promotes integrated water resource management for sound governance and development in transboundary basins and critical ecosystems in the Americas. The Americas Water Program supports Member States through water diplomacy, innovation, financing, and governance to improve management, conservation, and sustainable use of water resources, including freshwater and oceans.
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