GFDD and FUNGLODE Participate in the XXXVII OAS General Assembly in Panama City

The XXXVII General Assembly of the Organization of American States was inaugurated June 3, 2007 in Panama City by Panamanian President, Martín Torrijos, and Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, before delegates of 34 nations and high-level Panamanian government officials.

 

During the event, OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, spoke of the advancements realized throughout
the continent during the last year, highlighting economic achievements and democratic advancement. He referred to the 36 first and second round elections that had taken place in 12 of the OAS member states, positing that all had transpired in a peaceful manner, and elicited wide-scale participation.

 

Secretary General Insulza also discussed the factors preventing marginalized populations from benefiting from the favorable economic
conditions of the region. He stressed that poverty, delinquency, and instable democracies translate into wide-scale civil discontentment and economic loss.

 

Insulza argued that the development of a strong alternative energy sector in the region would not only aid in reducing carbon emissions, but would help stimulate economic growth. He called for increased reliance on hydrocarbons.

 

Ban Ki-Moon acknowledged the work being conducted by the OAS in order to realize the United Nations Millennium Goals. He compared the current threats of global warming to those of yellow fever during the second half of the 19^th century. Threats of yellow fever spurred nations to come together in order to devise a strategy by which to combat the disease. Ki-Moon stated that this international union marked the beginning of what is now the OAS.

 

President Trujillo thanked the OAS for the support it has provided Panama, referencing the establishment of the Torrijos-Carter Accord, which rescinded US control of the canal, and afforded Panama complete sovereignty over the area.  

 

President Trujillo emphasized the economic benefits that would result from developing a strong alternative energy sector in the region, and the need
for these benefits to be experienced by all members of society.

 

GFDD and FUNGLODE are active members of the OAS’s Civil Society, a community of NGOs that supports the organization in realizing its summits. GFDD and FUNGLODE endorse and promote the objectives of the OAS.

 

GFDD and FUNGLODE support the strengthening of democratic institutions and civil society,
and the sustainable development of a highly qualified workforce that facilitates socio-economic mobility.

 

GFDD Project Coordinator, Asunción Sanz, and FUNGLODE Internship and Educational Projects Coordinator, Yamile Eusebio, represented GFDD and FUNGLODE at the XXXVII OAS General Assembly.

 

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