Department of Summits of the Americas - OAS

The organization FIDELA presented to the Department of Summits of the Americas of the @OEA_oficial Organization of American States the document “Agreed Principles for the Respect of Religious Freedom in the Countries of the Americas,” jointly developed by the governments of 10 countries of the hemisphere. This important effort reflects the region’s commitment to promoting and protecting religious freedom as a fundamental right, as well as strengthening dialogue and cooperation among States. These meetings were sponsored by FIDELA (Interreligious Forum of the Americas). 📥 Download the document directly here: Documento Principios consensuados Libertad Religiosa.pdf - Google Drive

Today, at a special meeting of the Permanent Council, we honored the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, one of the gravest tragedies in human history. We remember the millions of men, women, and children whose lives were stolen, and we recognize the enduring impact of this atrocity on our societies. Within the framework of the Ninth Inter-American Week for People of African Descent in the Americas, being celebrated at the OAS this week, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to confronting the legacy of slavery, racism, and discrimination. This is not only a moment of remembrance, but also a call to action to dismantle structural inequalities and ensure full inclusion, justice, and respect for the rights of people of African descent across the hemisphere. The OAS will continue to work alongside member states, civil society, and leaders of African descent to promote equity, strengthen democratic institutions, and advance policies that close historical gaps. Honoring this memory means building a future rooted in dignity, equality, and opportunity for all.

Unity, resilience, and a shared purpose—today’s opening of the 9th Inter-American Week of People of African Descent reminded us of the power of collective action and a common voice across our hemisphere. Under this year’s theme, “Equality that inspires, freedom that transforms, and a hemisphere that leads,” we honor the immense contributions of Afro-descendant communities while recognizing that the fight against racism and inequality remains urgent and unfinished. Now is the time to move forward with resolve—less talk, more action—to advance justice, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all. #SemanaAfrodescendienteOEA #AfrodescendantWeekOAS

On this #WorldWaterDay, we reaffirm our commitment to water security in the Americas. More than 160 million people in our Hemisphere still lack access to safe drinking water, and 430 million lack adequate sanitation. This reality disproportionately affects rural communities, Indigenous peoples, and vulnerable populations. Water is life, and it is also equity, opportunity, and stability. Without access to water, there is no development, no full enjoyment of rights, and no security. At @OAS_official @OAS_Development, we will continue working with our Member States and partners to strengthen water management, mobilize investments, and ensure that water flows for all. #WorldWaterDay

On International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in all spheres of public and private life. Guided by the OAS Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter, we recognize that democracy cannot thrive without equality. And that our hemisphere has established a clear and binding commitment to protect the rights and dignity of every woman and girl. The General Secretariat of the @OAS_official will continue working with Member States, civil society, and partners to advance equality, strengthen institutions, and ensure that women’s rights are fully incorporated and realized across the Americas. mailchi.mp/press/impactoa…

We invite you to learn about the latest results of the Policy Dialogues organized by the Department of Summits with the collaboration and participation of various stakeholders in the Summit Process, aimed at addressing priority challenges in the Hemisphere. 🌎 The most recent meetings focused on the different dimensions of human security. Consult the reports and materials: 🔗 summit-americas.org/sas/Dialogues_…

🚨 The deadline to apply for the next internship session is February 13. Apply now! 🌐 Modalities: in-person and virtual in Washington, D.C. and in Member State Offices. bit.ly/PasantiasOEA

Following up on the IX Summit of the Americas, progress has been made in implementing mandates in the area of Digital Transformation. 💻 These efforts are supported by the Department of Summits of the Americas, which facilitates spaces for dialogue and follow-up for all actors in the Summits Process. 🤝 👉State initiatives on Digital Transformation 🔗bit.ly/49ZuVa7 👉Institutional efforts on Digital Transformation 🔗bit.ly/4qdS6Cd 👉Initiatives by civil society organizations and social actors 🔗 bit.ly/3Mf1ebL

International Day of Clean Energy invites us to reflect on the importance of energy systems that strengthen the resilience of our communities ⚡. This type of energy is a key component of energy security in the hemisphere, essential for the development, innovation and well-being of our societies 🌱. We invite you to learn more about the mandates related to this topic on the official page of the Department of Summits of the Americas 🌎👉 summit-americas.org/sas/Mandatos/E…

#InternationalDayofEducation reminds us that quality learning is a pillar for development and civic participation 📚 in our societies. Education opens opportunities, strengthens capacities and lays the foundation for a more resilient and participatory hemisphere . We invite you to learn more about the mandates related to this topic on the official page of the Department of Summits of the Americas 🌎👉 summit-americas.org/sas/Mandatos/E…

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on the transformative power of dialogue and community engagement. His vision inspires us to promote the participation of all people and to advance toward a hemisphere guided by collaboration and mutual respect 🤝. #SummitAmericas

We close the year with gratitude for the collaboration and commitment of those who make hemispheric cooperation possible. For the year that begins, the Department of Summits of the Americas reiterates its commitment to continue working with all stakeholders to contribute strengthening dialogue and advancing the region’s development. Best wishes for this 2026! 🌎🤝✨

Today is International Anti Corruption Day, a date that highlights the work that the States of the hemisphere have been carrying out to advance institutions that are ethical, transparent, and oriented toward the well being of the region. Among the legacies of the Summit of the Americas is the Inter American Convention against Corruption, the first legal instrument of its kind in the world and a product of the I Summit of the Americas, as well as, more recently, the Lima Commitment, the outcome of the VIII Summit of the Americas, which sets out a series of concrete actions aimed at strengthening the prevention and fight against corruption and promoting democratic governance in the hemisphere. 💡 We invite you to learn more about the progress related to the Lima Commitment at the following link 🔗: bit.ly/4d0DOhy #InternationalAntiCorruptionDay

Today the preliminary results of the Good Practices Consultations on Civil Society Participation in the OAS were presented 🌎. María Celina Conte, Director of the Department of Summits of the Americas, took part in the panel on standards and examples of good practices 🤝. She shared insights on inclusive and transparent mechanisms that strengthen dialogue between the Member States and civil society and social actors across the hemisphere 💬.

🌐✨ The Summits Process is built upon a long term commitment. The follow up and support for the implementation of Summit mandates contribute to the continuity, coordination and cooperation required to advance the hemispheric agenda. 📘 We invite you to learn more about these mandates and the progress made in their implementation by the various actors of the Summits Process: 🔗 bit.ly/4psWTQg

We share the official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic (MIREX) announcing the postponement of the X Summit of the Americas to 2026. 🔗 bit.ly/4hMKG6j The Department of Summits of the Americas reaffirms its commitment to the Chair of the Summits Process, the Government of the Dominican Republic, and to the joint work that strengthens hemispheric cooperation.

I appreciate the Dominican Republic’s leadership and efforts to bring hemispheric leaders together and its commitment to multilateralism. While recent circumstances have not created ideal conditions for the desired outcome of a successful Summit of the Americas, the Organization of American States @OAS_official will continue working with President Luis Abinader @luisabinader, Foreign Minister @RobalsdqAlvarez and the whole Government of the Dominican Republic @PresidenciaRD @MIREXRD, as host country, and with our member states and partners to deliver a successful Tenth Summit of the Americas. We thank all governmental and non-governmental institutions for their efforts to date. @SummitAmericas