Leo S. Rowe Fund: nomination of the United States to the Committee

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Good morning, dear colleagues.

The Leo S. Rowe Fund was established with an endowment received through a bequest from Dr. Leo S. Rowe, a citizen of the United States who served as Director General of the Pan American Union, the forerunner of the Organization of American States (OAS), from 1920 to 1946; he was a firm advocate of the promotion of peace, security and the strengthening of cultural ties among the nations of the Americas; his life revolved around the promotion of Pan-Americanism and of higher education.

Over seventy-five years of continuous operation and through prudent investment of that portfolio, the Fund has grown from the initial endowment of US$623,000 to its value today of around US$18.5 million. This money helps young higher education students from our region studying in the United States to cover study expenses with interest-free loans, and OAS staff at a very low rate of interest.

This Organization recognizes that the United States has historically supported the Leo S. Rowe Fund and has been a member of its Committee since its creation. Accordingly, my Delegation would like to nominate the United States of America for a four-year term as a member of this Committee.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.