Promoting Cooperation and Development in the Western Hemisphere

Ambassador Jacinth Lorna Henry-Martin of St. Kiits and Nevis chairs a meeting of CEPCIDI at OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Integral development is extremely important to the United States Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States. We hope that after reviewing this section of the website, you will have a better understanding for and appreciation of the ways in which the U.S. Mission to the OAS supports and envisions development in the Western Hemisphere.

The Organization of American States (OAS) conducts a significant amount of development work through various initiatives and programs – often as an extension of a political view or decision. OAS development programming ranges from offering academic scholarships to furthering trade liberalization and from encouraging tourism development to implementing sustainable environmental policies.

The Organization of American States’ approach to development work highlights cooperation programs. A guiding principle is that cooperation between member states will not only strengthen bonds, but also lead to improvements in many vital sectors. OAS-endorsed development programs aim to combat poverty, strengthen national capacities, and improve health and education standards. Please explore information on U.S. involvement in OAS development work through the links on the sidebar to your left.

Economic prosperity and sustainable development are essential foundations of stable democratic governments and are significant U.S. policy objectives in the Western Hemisphere. The development assistance cooperation programs allow the OAS Member States to advance in these fields.

By advancing Summit of the Americas and other high level mandates to promote economic growth, foster trade liberalization, and improve the quality of education in the hemisphere, the United States is able to demonstrate its commitments to the region and improve overall economic conditions.

The U.S Permanent Mission to the OAS is dedicated to cooperative development throughout the hemisphere and is proud of the accomplishments that the OAS has made thus far.