https://youtu.be/S3YLQkzHwHs
How is the OAS structured? What are its main pillars? Why is it an important organization today?
These were some of the questions answered by Gonzalo Koncke—Chief of Staff of the OASGeneral Secretariat —during the conference titled "The Present State of the Organization of American States (OAS)."
The event, organized by the Department of International Studies at Universidad ORT Uruguay, was held online on Thursday, April 28, 2022.
The structure
First, Knocke explained how the organization is structured. He noted that the OAS operates through various bodies and their supporting structures, with the General Assembly serving as the supreme body. It is composed of delegations from all Member States, each of which has the right to be represented and to cast a vote.
The expert also highlighted the importance within the OAS of the Permanent Council, which reports directly to the General Assembly. It is composed of one representative from each member state, specially accredited by the respective government at the ambassadorial level.
The organization has other bodies besides these. The Inter-American Council for Integral Development is also active, addressing issues related to the development of countries in the region.
“Outside this framework—since they are not strictly part of the OAS’s legal and regulatory structure—are the Summits of the Americas. The Summits of the Americas bring together the heads of state and government of the Member States of the Hemisphere to discuss shared political issues, affirm common values, and commit to coordinated actions at the national and regional levels in order to address the present and future challenges facing the countries of the Americas.”
“It is a mechanism that brings together the heads of state and government of the hemisphere every three years, in different cities. It does not have a permanent headquarters. This year, it is scheduled to take place in June in Los Angeles, in the United States.”
Current Events
Knocke noted that the OAS is currently focusing on four pillars: democracy, human rights, comprehensive development, and multidimensional security.
“These are the pillars that the countries identified as the organization’s priorities. It is within these four thematic areas that the organization carries out its tasks and activities.”
“The OAS, like other organizations, does much more than what is usually visible,” said Knocke. He mentioned that it works on issues such as responding to the aftermath of natural disasters, education, gender, a culture of peace, and anti-corruption, among other matters.
“It covers a wide and in-depth range of topics that are often overlooked by the news.”
“I believe that the OAS is, at present, a highly significant and indispensable organization with a critical role in the region’s agenda,” said the speaker. “It is essential for conducting foreign policy from our countries. The fact that countries must take a stance within the OAS means that it is an organization where the foreign policies of member states are truly shaped in a clear and definitive way.”
“It is one of the few forums for a country like Uruguay—and this applies to other countries in the region as well, of course—where one can engage in a relationship and dialogue on equal terms with countries like the United States.”
Finally, the expert concluded: “I also believe that it serves as a mirror in which, in addition to other countries seeing it, the country itself can see its foreign policy reflected.”