Address by the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Ambassador Albert Ramdin

Abstract

"It is indeed a great pleasure and a distinct honor for me to join you here today and address this 27th Pan American Sanitary Conference in representation of the Organization of American States. Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, who, because of previous engagements, cannot be here today, sends his best wishes for a fruitful Conference...In our view, the political dimension is central to the formulation and execution of public policies. This dimension includes social dialogue, democratic participation, political negotiation, and the quest for points of consensus regarding the implementation of our development plans and agendas. At the heart of this dimension is the very concept of democratic governance, good governance and the legitimacy of our systems of government...Health priorities and programs touch upon numerous other areas of integral development, such as education, labor, and the environment; all are priorities for the Organization of American States. Under this inter-sectoral approach, we recently worked with PAHO on matters of occupational health and safety, health education and nutrition, and assistance to persons with disabilities, as well as organizing joint meetings on HIV/Aids and Avian Flu. We were also pleased to include the launching of the Health Agenda of the Americas in the past OAS General Assembly in Panama City..."