Welcoming Remarks by the Secretary General of the Organization of American States

Abstract

"I would first like to recall—in order to refer subsequently to our relationship with PAHO as a sister organization—the slogan that we saw a moment ago onscreen: “We do it better together.” Actually, I believe that our two organizations, the OAS and the Pan American Health Organization, have been collaborating for more than 100 years, which is no small thing. PAHO was created in 1902 under the Pan American Union, and although the names have changed as have those of its offices—because in 1948 the Pan American Union became the Organization of American States and PAHO became the Regional Office of World Health Organization—we have continued to work together, as is proper, for 11 decades. And that is very important and speaks first to the value and relevance of Pan-Americanism, but also to the work of this Organization, which is an example throughout the Americas..."