120 years of achievements.

AuthorCattivelli, Adrian
PositionOAS - Organization of American States

Recently, an extraordinary session of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) commemorated the 120th anniversary of the First International American Conference, inaugurated on October 2, 1889 in Washington DC. The objective of that conference was to look at mechanisms for the peaceful solution of controversies between the states of the hemisphere, promote more trade, and increase media coverage of the region.

In the commemorative session, keynote speaker Colombian historian and diplomat Alvaro Tirado Mejía spoke about the conference and the historic process that led to the creation of the OAS. He also celebrated the achievements of the Inter-American System, and analyzed the new challenges facing the organization today.

"The OAS is seen negatively in some arenas," Tirado Mejía said. "This is due to the shadows of bygone days and to a lack of knowledge about its functions and its achievements. But it is important to add another perspective."

"Even a cursory review of [OAS] activities reveals that the number of its achievements has been great. From the ongoing work of the Secretary General; to the important legal body of work created over the course of the century; to conflicts prevented or resolved; to the lives saved and violations addressed through the Human Rights System, the OAS has consolidated over the years and adapted to new situations."

Tirado Mejía then spoke of the "great challenges" the OAS faces today. The first...

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