Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), called for regional unity to drive Latin America’s development when speaking at the Dominican Senate on 5 February 2025.
He visited to participate in the “Parliaments and Prosperity” seminar, organized by the Senate. While not planned as such, the event coincided with the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and news of a possible cancellation of the US contribution to the multinational security mission in Haiti. Rubio is scheduled to meet with President Luis Abinader to discuss topics such as Dominican migration and the impact of the Haitian crisis on the region.
Almagro in his talk emphasized regional unity as key to Latin America’s progress. He stressed the urgent need for regional unity to drive development through knowledge and innovation. He explained that Latin American history has been marked by a “reverse transfer of resources,” where the region has exported its best talent and knowledge to developed countries. “We must reverse this process. We need to receive knowledge and build local capacity for development,” Almagro asserted.
The OAS secretary general also highlighted that for progress to occur, Latin American nations must adopt an inclusive vision that integrates technology and digitalization across all political and institutional sectors. He warned that failure to effectively incorporate technology would hinder the advancement of these nations.
Almagro also pointed to the critical role of democracy in economic and social development, noting that countries where democracy has faltered have also faced economic and social collapse. “Countries that have failed to consolidate stable democracies have faced humanitarian and migration crises,” he said. He emphasized the responsibility of legislatures to create the political and social conditions necessary for stability and progress, urging congress members to continue promoting development through democracy. “Nations that prioritize democratic participation are better positioned to generate sustainable economic and social growth,” he said.
The OAS secretary general called on Latin American countries to foster regional integration based on equity and equality, asserting that only with stronger and more cohesive societies will it be possible to leverage emerging technologies and create quality jobs. “Development must be for everyone, not just a few,” he emphasized.
In concluding his speech, Almagro reiterated that science, innovation, and knowledge are fundamental to the future of Latin America. “We cannot afford to be the region with the fewest patents and the least industrial property in the world,” he declared, urging countries to create conditions that support research, science, and international collaboration.
The event also featured several awards recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions to social and business development. Among the honorees were Melba Segura de Grullón, the Sur Futuro Foundation, and the Dominican Republic Industries Association (AIRD). The National Council of Business (Conep) and rector Franklin Holguín Haché were also recognized for their significant work in education and academia.
Almagro is remembered for his statement back in 2015 during a CNN interview that on an island there cannot be two countries, referring to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. A new secretary general of the OAS is set to be elected on 10 March 2025.
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CDN
El Dia
6 February 2025