Sesión ordinaria

CONSEJO PERMANENTE DE LA ORGANIZACIÓN DE LOS ESTADOS AMERICANOS

ACTA DE LA SESIÓN ORDINARIA CELEBRADA EL

16 DE OCTUBRE DE 2020

Nómina de los miembros que asistieron a la sesión

En la ciudad de Washington, D. C., a las diez y cinco minutos de la mañana del viernes 16 de octubre de 2020, celebró sesión ordinaria el Consejo Permanente de la Organización de los Estados Americanos con el objeto de considerar los puntos incluidos en el orden del día. Presidió la sesión la Embajadora Audrey Marks, Representante Permanente de Jamaica y Presidenta del Consejo Permanente. Asistieron los siguientes miembros:

Embajador Sidney Stanley Collie, Representante Permanente del Commonwealth de las Bahamas y Vicepresidente del Consejo Permanente

Embajador Anthony Phillips-Spencer, Representante Permanente de Trinidad y Tobago

Embajador Riyad Insanally, Representante Permanente de Guyana

Embajadora Lou-Anne Gilchrist, Representante Permanente de San Vicente y las Granadinas

Embajadora Niermala Badrising, Representante Permanente de Suriname

Embajador Carlos Trujillo, Representante Permanente de los Estados Unidos

Embajador Hernán Salinas Burgos, Representante Permanente de Chile

Embajador Fernando Simas Magalhães, Representante Permanente del Brasil

Embajadora Rita Claverie de Sciolli, Representante Permanente de Guatemala

Embajador Alejandro Ordoñez Maldonado, Representante Permanente de Colombia

Embajador Carlos Alberto Játiva Naranjo, Representante Permanente del Ecuador

Embajador Noel Anderson Lynch, Representante Permanente de Barbados

Embajadora Yolande Yvonne Smith, Representante Permanente de Grenada

Embajador Gustavo Tarre, Representante Permanente de Venezuela

Embajadora Luz Elena Baños Riva, Representante Permanente de México

Embajador Hugh Adsett, Representante Permanente del Canadá

Embajadora María del Carmen Roquebert, Representante Permanente de Panamá

Embajador Josué Antinoe Fiallo, Representante Permanente de la República Dominicana

Embajadora María Lorena Sol de Pool, Representante Permanente de El Salvador

Embajador Léon Charles, Representante Permanente de Haití

Embajador Carlos Alberto Raimundi, Representante Permanente de la Argentina

Embajador Vicente Antonio Zeballos, Representante Permanente del Perú

Embajador Luis Alvarado, Representante Interino de Nicaragua

Embajador Olger Ignacio González, Representante Interino de Costa Rica

Ministro Consejero Erick Foronda, Representante Interino de Bolivia

Señora Judith-Anne Rolle, Representante Alterna del Commonwealth de Dominica

Consejera Gillian Ingrid Joseph, Representante Alterna de Antigua y Barbuda

Ministra Consejera Juliet Mallet Phillip, Representante Alterna de Santa Lucía

Ministro Deon L. Williams, Representante Alterno de Jamaica

Ministro Raúl Mariano Martínez, Representante Alterno del Paraguay

Ministra Consejera Laura Andrea Frampton, Representante Alterna de Belize

Ministro Consejero Vernon Alexis Connor, Representante Alterno de San Kitt y Nevis

Consejera Alejandra Castineira Latorre, Representante Alterna del Uruguay

Estuvieron también presentes el Secretario General, señor Luis Almagro Lemes, y el Secretario General Adjunto, Embajador Nestor Mendez, Secretario del Consejo Permanente.

Aprobación del orden del día

La PRESIDENTA: I am pleased to declare open the regular meeting of the Permanent Council convened to consider the items contained in the Order of Business, CP/OD-2305/20, which I present for the consideration of the Council.

[El proyecto de orden del día contiene los siguientes puntos:

1. Aprobación del orden del día (CP/OD-2305/20)

2. Informe de la Junta de Auditores Externos para el año terminado el 31 de diciembre de 2019 (CP/doc.5642/20)

3. Proyecto de resolución “Papel prioritario de la Organización de los Estados Americanos en el desarrollo de las telecomunicaciones/tecnologías de la información y la comunicación a través de la Comisión Interamericana de Telecomunicaciones (CITEL)” (CP/doc.5640/20)

4. Proyecto de resolución “Hacia una carta empresarial interamericana” (CP/doc.5641/20)

5. Proyecto de resolución “Promoción de la respuesta hemisférica al cambio climático en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19” (CP/INF. 8773/20)

6. Informe de actividades del Consejo Interamericano para el Desarrollo Integral (CIDI) a la Asamblea General, para el período 2019-2020

- Informe de la Presidencia del CIDI

- Proyecto de resolución “Impulsando iniciativas hemisféricas en materia de desarrollo integral”

- Proyecto de resolución “Los desafíos para la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional en las Américas frente a la pandemia de COVID-19 en el marco del Plan de Acción de Guatemala 2019” (CIDI/CPD/doc.201/20 rev. 2) Español |English |Français |Português

7. Informe de actividades de la Comisión de Asuntos Administrativos y Presupuestarios (CAAP), para el período 2019-2020

- Informe de la Presidencia del CAAP

- Proyecto de resolución “Programa-presupuesto de la Organización para 2021”

8. Nota del Secretario General mediante la cual presenta una solicitud para que el Presidente del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo haga una intervención durante el quincuagésimo período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General (AG/CP/doc.979/20)[2]

9. Nota de la Misión Permanente de la República Dominicana mediante la cual solicita que se examine y se adopte una modalidad para el orden de las intervenciones de los ministros de relaciones exteriores o los jefes de delegación (AG/CP/doc.980/20)

10. Establecimiento de la Comisión de Estilo del quincuagésimo período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General

11. Otros asuntos.]

There being no observations, we will proceed to approve it without amendment. Approved.

I wish to inform delegations that today we have quite a full agenda, so I ask delegations for their support and collaboration in making efficient use of our time. We expect that this regular meeting of the Permanent Council will continue into the afternoon hours, so at approximately 12:00 p.m. we will have a recess for an hour and a half.

Informe de la Junta de Auditores Externos para el año terminado el 31 de diciembre de 2019

La PRESIDENTA: We will now move to item two. This next item refers to the presentation of the Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 2019, by the Chairman of the Board of External Auditors of the Organization of American States (OAS), Mr. Martin Rubenstein. This report was already distributed to delegations as document CP/doc.5642/20.

I am pleased to offer the floor to Mr. Rubenstein.

You have the floor, Sir.

EL PRESIDENTE DE LA JUNTA DE AUDITORES EXTERNOS: Thank you. I apologize for the technical difficulty on my end. Good morning.

As to introduce, my name is Martin Rubenstein, and I am the Chair of the Board of External Auditors. In addition to myself, I would like to introduce the rest of the Board: Ms. Carmen Castro and Mr. Dean Evanson, who are the other members. Ms. Castro is the Associate Comptroller General of the U.S. Department of State, and Mr. Evanson is the Director of Audits at the Audit Office for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. On behalf of both my colleagues, I am pleased to present the Board’s Annual Report on External Audits of the Accounts and Financial Statements of the Organization of American States (OAS) and its related entities.

Our reports submitted in accordance with Article 130, which requires that the Board submitted its report to the Permanent Council. Technically, we were supposed to provide this report within four months of this fiscal year at the OAS; however, due to the pandemic we have been delayed. Having said that, I would like to stress that the audited financial statements were provided to OAS lenders on time, as required by banking debt covenants.

On that note, I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the fact that we are all working in very uncertain times. The impact of COVID-19 has spanned across the world and, as a result, organizations have had to adapt in this unprecedented time. The OAS is no different. We would like to acknowledge the efforts that the OAS has made in managing during this challenging times. The pandemic has shined a light on the dedication of each member and employee of the OAS, and this spirit has been demonstrated in the resiliency and the commitment to maximizing its contribution.

I also wanted to mention that I think it is always important to reiterate what the Board’s role is in the context of presenting this report. In carrying out our responsibilities, we have the following objectives: We need to address OAS’ reports and recommendations that will contribute to greater efficiency, effectiveness, and economy in the conduct of the Organization’s affairs; we promote the continued developments of accounting and financial reporting procedures; we ensure the conduct of all external auditor operation in such a way to fully discharge the Board’s assigned responsibilities; and we ensure the performance of the inspector general and the audit function in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards.

Before I get into some of our key findings, I just wanted to, on behalf of the Board, thank the Secretary General, the Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs (CAAP) and the Secretary of Administration and Finance (SAF) for all their assistance in providing open and honest information to the Board. Without this, we would not be able to carry our mandate. We had excellent discussions with the Permanent Council’s Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs. It is apparent to the Board that their leadership on matters of administrative governance and accountability has had a positive impact on the operations of the OAS. As always, the year-end audit takes time and effort by all, especially under the circumstances. We wish to thank the OAS for its assistance. It is important to note that we have received full access to all information, even during these challenging times, and we acknowledge the full cooperation extended to the Board by all levels of the Organization. Again, thank you.

A few findings that we think are very important to raise in the context of this presentation. In our discussion with the external auditors BDO USA, LLP (BDO), they have issued an unmodified opinion on all financial statements of the OAS for the year, and they were released on April 30, 2020. It is important to note that this is a significant accomplishment, once again, for the Organization. BDO’s responsibilities is to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material statements. They did not identify any deficiencies in internal controls this year that are considered to be material, so of significance. It did, however, identified one control deficiency which they considered to be significant. The deficiency was with respect to the Organization’s liquidity issues of the Reserve Fund. Due to the nature of this deficiency, BDO thought that it was important to bring this to attention to the OAS and the Board would agree.

The Board would also like to highlight that while the majority of recommendations from BDO’s report in 2008 have been responded to, one does remain outstanding, and this recommendation relates to the formulation of revenue recognition procedures for the Trust of the Americas. Both of these issues have been communicated to appropriate officials within the OAS and the Board suggests that actions be taken to address these issues.

One of the objectives of the Board is to contribute to greater efficiency, effectiveness, and economy in the affairs of the OAS. In doing so, the report acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic has and will continue to have an impact on the operations of the OAS. The Board realizes that all member states have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and will most likely continue to be impacted well into 2021.

Notwithstanding this impact and uncertainty on all member states, not just the OAS, it is the Board’s responsibility to provide observations and recommendations to strengthen the sustainability of the OAS. While the pandemic will exasperate certain of the ongoing operational issues of the OAS, the Board will continue to highlight the systemic aspects of these issues. The Board would like to recognize that the measures taken by the OAS to manage through the pandemic have been extraordinary, pivoting programs to deal with both situations respectfully but effectively as well.

We wanted to acknowledge that the OAS continues to make significant progress in modernizing its procedures and systems. During the year, member states approved two significant undertakings: A resolution to come up with a new comprehensive strategic plan and to establish a regulatory budgetary framework, inclusive of processes and practices, which would be used to review budget implications of any new mandate.

The Board feels that these two initiatives are significant steps forward for the OAS in managing its priorities and operations. Historically, the OAS has operated with too many mandates and not enough financial resources to effectively and efficiently implement them all. The context of these two new plans and frameworks will be important to assisting the Organization in its modernization and sustainability efforts. The Board is hopeful that this new Comprehensive Strategic Plan will not only prioritize mandates but will also address the ongoing budgetary imbalances that have impacted operations.

In addition, enabling sub-strategies related to human resources, real property, indirect cost ratio (ICR) fund, business process modernization and enterprise resource planning will be pivotal in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Organization and will be most likely pillars within the strategic plans.

Notwithstanding the uncertainty resulting from the current pandemic, the Board does remain concerned with the Organization’s liquidity because the day-to-day cash flow requirements of the OAS have only been met by way of short-term borrowing from the Treasury Fund. These cash flow deficiencies are due, largely, to the fact that several member states do not pay their quotas in a timely manner. The OAS anticipates several temporary loans will be required during the fourth quarter of 2020 to cash manage salary and operations. The OAS has further projected that there are enough funds within the Treasury Fund to cash manage their operating expenses until the end of 2021, although this assumes that all countries pay quotas on a timely basis. Notwithstanding, this continues to be a concern to the Board as this short-term cash management strategy is not sustainable into the medium term. The Board must also stress the fact that the budgetary imbalance, as previously identified, also has a direct impact on the cash flow issues of the OAS.

In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone the very best during this uncertain time. Please take care and remain safe. With that, I will conclude my presentation and I am available for any questions.

La PRESIDENTA: Thank you and your team, Mr. Rubenstein, for your very well documented report.

I now offer the floor to delegations.

We will now acknowledge the delegation of Canada.

Canada, you have the floor.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DEL CANADÁ: Good morning, colleagues. I am sorry, my camera does not seem to be on. There we go! Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning, colleagues.

Let me start this morning, of course, by saying hello to everybody, but also very much welcoming the 2019 Report of the Board of External Auditors, and to thank the external auditors for their very good work over the course of the past year.

I wanted to pick up on a couple of points that were mentioned this morning. Let me start with one that is very much on our minds. Canada is very concerned about the financial situation that it is currently facing the Organization of American States (OAS), particularly as it concerns its Regular Fund deficit. I think colleagues know difficult adjustments have been made to the budget ceiling and ensuing cuts that all member states are being forced to make in order to compensate for an extraordinarily high level of delinquency and payment of assessed contributions of a few. And it is a situation which we think is very unfortunate.

We regret to stress that non-payment is placing on other member states, on the Organization and on its staff, and for our part we urge those who are in arrears to establish payment plans in order to help the Organization with its forward planning.

Aussi, Madame la Présidente deux autres choses, le Canada souscrit pleinement les recommandations du Conseil des vérificateurs pour reconstituer les problèmes de réserve dans le but d'apprendre et appliquer les normes générales. Nous convenons en outre que l'Organisation doit prendre soigneusement en considération la situation de la pandémie actuelle et son impact présentée pour l'avenir.

Enfin, le Canada soutient les objectifs généraux que le Conseil des vérificateurs a adoptés pour guider ses opérations vers une plus grande efficacité dans la conduite des affaires de l'Organisation.

Merci beaucoup, Madame la Présidente.

La PRESIDENTA: I thank the delegation of Canada.

I now recognize the delegation of Brazil.

Brazil, you have the floor.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DEL BRASIL: Good morning, Madam Chair. Thank you so much.

Em primeiro lugar, quero cumprimentar todos os colegas participantes da reunião, a Presidente do Conselho Permanente e o Secretário-Geral Adjunto.

Antes de entrar em matéria sobre o Relatório da Junta de Auditores Externos, quero dizer que tomamos boa nota dos comentários feitos há poucos minutos pelo Representante Permanente do Canadá, muito embora não possamos compartilhar dos termos exatos em que eles foram feitos porque nos parece que excedem, enfim, os termos normais de referência a esse assunto.

Presidente, minha Delegação toma nota e agradece a apresentação do Relatório da Junta de Auditores Externos referente ao ano de 2019. Como de costume, a Junta identifica de maneira eficaz os desafios administrativos e financeiros enfrentados pela Organização, desde a necessidade de fortalecer reserva do Fundo Ordinário e de bem definir a finalidade dos fundos de recuperação de custos indiretos, até a conveniência de estabelecer uma estratégia de recursos humanos efetiva e de avançar na priorização dos mandatos.

Embora nem sempre coincida integralmente com as opiniões da Junta, o Brasil compartilha suas preocupações e se mantém engajado na busca de soluções para as questões incluídas no Relatório que acabamos de receber.

Quero aproveitar a oportunidade, também, para manifestar o apreço pelo trabalho dos órgãos de controle da Organização dos Estados Americanos (OEA), dentre os quais se insere a Junta de Auditores Externos. E, como reconhecimento da importância das atividades dessas entidades, o Brasil buscar conferir-lhes prioridade na elaboração dos orçamentos da Organização e ativamente contribuir para o aprimoramento das suas funções.

Nesse sentido, seguimos acompanhando, com particular interesse, o mandato para que seja instaurada uma comissão de auditoria permanente e independente, o que, tal como aponta o Relatório, contribuiria para fortalecer a autonomia dos órgãos de controle interno.

Entendemos que essa Comissão poderia promover de maneira eficaz o contato dos Estados membros e os auditores externos e, também, favorecer o recebimento mais tempestivo de relatórios sobre os temas administrativos que eventualmente constem da ordem do dia da Comissão de Assuntos Administrativos e Orçamentários (CAAP) e também deste Conselho Permanente.

São estes os meus comentários.

Muito obrigado, Presidente.

La PRESIDENTA: I thank the delegation of Brazil.

I now recognize the delegation of the United States.

El REPRESENTANTE ALTERNO DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS: Thank you, Madam Chair.

The United States wishes to thank the Board for their report and to express our appreciation and our support for the Board of External Auditors. We are, of course, particularly grateful and proud of the contribution of Ms. Carmen Castro, who serves on the Board and, in addition to her duties, as Associate Comptroller for the Department of State.

External auditors play a vital role with respect to the conduct of international organizations. As we all know, financial decisions and prudent financial management are of paramount importance, especially in a challenging budget environment that we are confronting. This Organization benefits from the careful work of the Board, which seeks to bring forth more efficiency, effectiveness in economy in the affairs of the Organization of American States (OAS).

A given global pandemic, we know this year presented extra challenges in the completion of your duties, so we want to commend the Board for its resilience.

The United States will continue to advocate for the respect and independence of the Board of External Auditors and the other oversight and supervisor bodies of the OAS. We look forward to working with other member states delegations to ensure the implementation of the Board’s recommendations.

Thank you very much.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the United States.

We now recognize the delegation of Mexico.

Mexico, you have the floor.

La REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE MÉXICO: Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta. Buenos días a todas y todos; para felicitar a la Junta por su excelente trabajo, por sus responsables recomendaciones y hacer un exhorto a todos los Estados Miembros a tomarlas muy en consideración.

La situación financiera de nuestra Organización es muy difícil y debemos tomarla muy en consideración. Haber fijado un techo presupuestal en setentainueve millones de dólares y haber conservado el techo global presupuestal en ochentaicuatro punto nueve (84,9) millones, nos lleva a la responsabilidad de no tener que gastar más de los recursos con los que contamos para que no entremos en una situación crítica de imposibilidad de sostenernos financieramente. Creo que las recomendaciones de la Junta deben de ser seriamente tomadas en cuenta y hacer un esfuerzo por cumplirlas todos los Estados Miembros.

Tenemos una situación crítica en nuestros países; en el caso particular de México, con una profunda austeridad republicana viviendo desde el gobierno. Si esa situación es así ahora, podríamos pensar que el año que entra pudiéramos tener todos los estados mayores dificultades en poder cumplir con nuestras responsabilidades, dado que la mayoría de nuestros recursos están destinados al pago de la nómina de los trabajadores de la Organización en todas sus modalidades. Resulta muy importante y debe ser de alta responsabilidad tenerlo en consideración porque eso tiene que ver con el pago de la nómina.

Quisiéramos hacer un exhorto a tomar con mucha seriedad –y no como un asunto más de los tantos que escuchamos en la Organización– las observaciones y sugerencias del Informe presentado hoy. Como ustedes saben, el haber fijado estos techos en esas cantidades implicará que la cuota anual de todos nosotros se incremente el año que entra. Ojalá y podamos honrar este incremento pagando nuestras cuotas por el bien de la Organización.

Muchas gracias y gracias de nuevo, felicitaciones a la presentación de la Junta.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Mexico.

And there being no further requests for the floor, we again thank the Chair and the Board for this good report, and I suggest that the Permanent Council take note of the Annual Report by the Chairman of the Board of External Auditors of the Organization of American States (OAS), Mr. Martin Rubenstein, contained in document CP/doc.5642/20, and transmit it to the General Assembly with the observations and recommendations made by member states.

There being no objections, it is so agreed. Agreed.

Proyecto de resolución “Papel prioritario de la Organización de los Estados Americanos en el desarrollo de las telecomunicaciones/tecnologías de la información y la comunicación a través de la Comisión Interamericana de Telecomunicaciones (CITEL)”

La PRESIDENTA: We will now move to item three on the agenda. The next item in the order of business refers to the consideration of the draft resolution: “Priority Role of the Organization of American States (OAS) in the Development of Telecommunications/Information and Communication Technologies through the Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (CITEL)”, which was presented by the Permanent Missions of Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States, and is included in document CP/doc.5640/20.

I offer the floor to delegations wishing to refer to this draft resolution.

We know recognize the delegation of Argentina.

Argentina, you have the floor.

La REPRESENTANTE ALTERNA DE LA ARGENTINA: Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

La Argentina, en su calidad de Presidente del Comité Directivo Permanente de la Comisión Interamericana de Telecomunicaciones (COM/CITEL) y en nombre de las Delegaciones de Colombia, Estados Unidos y México, presentó el proyecto de resolución “El Papel Prioritario de la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA) en el Desarrollo de las Telecomunicaciones, Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación a través de la Comisión Interamericana de Telecomunicaciones, CITEL”. El presente proyecto tiene como objetivo principal destacar el rol clave de telecomunicaciones y las tecnologías de la información. Asimismo, subraya la labor de la Comisión Interamericana de Telecomunicaciones, CITEL, como entidad especializada de la Organización de los Estados Americanos en esta materia.

Al igual que en los años anteriores, este proyecto de resolución alienta a los Estados Miembros, con el apoyo de la Secretaría Ejecutiva de la CITEL, a profundizar la cooperación horizontal y el intercambio de buenas prácticas y experiencias en el campo de las telecomunicaciones; paralelamente, impulsa a los Estados Miembros de la región a avanzar en la conectividad y el acceso a banda ancha como motor fundamental del desarrollo sostenible.

Señora Presidenta, este año se puso de manifiesto que la infraestructura de las telecomunicaciones es un insumo fundamental e indispensable para las economías nacionales y para compensar los impactos negativos generados por la pandemia del COVID-19 en la inclusión económica y social, el acceso a servicios, la igualdad de género, el acceso a la educación y, potencialmente, el acceso al empleo. Las herramientas y el conocimiento de las telecomunicaciones y las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación han permitido que la respuesta de nuestros países a los desafíos planteados por el COVID-19 sea más efectivas y decisiva.

La CITEL constituye una estructura regional que es salvaguardar las tecnologías de la información y las telecomunicaciones en las Américas y aprovecho la oportunidad para agradecer a su Secretaría Ejecutiva por el acompañamiento a los Estados Miembros. Hoy, las telecomunicaciones constituyen un instrumento eficiente para facilitar el acceso de todos a la información y a la educación; para facilitar la libertad de expresión, componentes esenciales en la promoción de la democracia; la defensa de los derechos humanos; la garantía de la seguridad; y, el fomento del desarrollo integral y la prosperidad de la región.

Señora Presidenta, mi Delegación, en coordinación con otros miembros de la COM/CITEL, abrimos un espacio en nuestra sesión informal en el que se intercambiaron comentarios a fin de consensuar el texto que se ha presentado para la consideración de este Consejo Permanente y su posterior remisión a la Asamblea General.

Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Argentina, and now recognize the delegation of Brazil.

Brazil, you have the floor.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DEL BRASIL: Thank you, Madam Chair.

Queria, além de agradecer à Delegação da Argentina a apresentação do projeto, solicitar, por favor, ao Secretariado que tome nota da decisão do Governo brasileiro de copatrocinar este projeto também, juntamente aos demais.

Muito obrigado pela atenção.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Brazil.

Now recognize the delegation of Panama.

La REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE PANAMÁ: Muy buenos días, Presidenta y Secretario General Adjunto.

Quería solicitar también, de manera respetuosa, al tiempo de agradecer a Argentina por la presentación del proyecto, que nos sumamos también al copatrocinio de esta resolución.

Gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Panama.

And there being no further requests for the floor, the Chair proposes that the Permanent Council agrees upon the draft resolution, including the changes already recorded by the Secretariat. This draft resolution will be sent to the Plenary of the General Assembly for its consideration.

There being no objections, it is so agreed. Agreed

Proyecto de resolución “Hacia una Carta Empresarial Interamericana”

La PRESIDENTA: We now move to item four on the agenda. This next item in the order of business refers to the consideration of the draft resolution: “Towards an Inter-American Business Charter”, which was presented by the Permanent Mission of Colombia, and it is included in document CP/doc.5641/20.

I offer the floor to the delegation of Colombia and other delegations wishing to refer to this draft resolution. Colombia, you have the floor.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE COLOMBIA: Gracias, señora Presidenta.

Quiero agradecer la inclusión de este punto en el orden del día de esta sesión ordinaria del Consejo Permanente e iniciar por solicitar la elevación a la Asamblea General del proyecto de resolución “Hacia una Carta Empresarial Interamericana” para su consideración y aprobación en el quincuagésimo período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General. También quiero agradecer a todas las delegaciones que participaron activamente en las reuniones convocadas por la Misión Permanente de Colombia por todo su apoyo y valiosas contribuciones, las cuales nos permiten presentar el día de hoy un documento acordado y el cual cumple con el objetivo que tiene mi país al presentar esta resolución: crear el mandato para que en el seno de la Organización se pueda discutir la creación de un instrumento que nos permita impulsar a la empresa privada como actor fundamental del desarrollo de la región.

Colombia está convencida de que una Carta Interamericana de Desarrollo Empresarial es un instrumento fundamental, más en los tiempos que nos encontramos atravesando. La Carta cobra mayor relevancia en el contexto de la recuperación económica una vez el COVID-19 haya sido superado y el sector privado va a ser una de las piedras angulares en ello.

La intención de la Carta Empresarial, como iniciativa del Presidente Iván Duque, es apalancar al sector privado e involucrarlo en iniciativas de desarrollo de la región teniendo en cuenta la importancia que tiene como generador de empleo y como actor fundamental en la creación de riqueza y prosperidad de los países.

Estamos convencidos de que el desarrollo y la democracia son los dos principios que se necesitan y se complementan, no se puede pensar en que exista uno sin el otro, pues son aspectos esenciales que aparecen en la Carta de la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA) e incluso se reproducen en la Carta Democrática Interamericana, donde se reconoce que en la lucha por la eliminación de la pobreza los esfuerzos relacionados con la empresa privada, la innovación y la infraestructura son el motor del desarrollo. Allí se potencian los equilibrios macroeconómicos y la cohesión social; la integración internacional y la creación de empleo e inversión privada; la promoción de pequeñas y medianas empresas; el fomento de la propiedad privada; y, la estabilidad jurídica para las empresas.

Creemos en involucrar profundamente a las empresas privadas en el desarrollo de nuestros países como actores fundamentales en la creación de empleos, como motores de innovación y pilares para la reducción de la igualdad desde la base de una responsabilidad empresarial. Esto, señora Presidenta, nos permitirá, a su vez, avanzar en la protección de los derechos humanos y nos conducirá a tener una región más segura y democrática.

Es de igual importancia recordar que Colombia considera que este no es un documento que busque fijar posición política o jurídica controversial; al contrario, es un documento que se enmarca en lo que ha sido la estructura para la construcción del sistema interamericano. En este sentido, no buscamos que sea un tratado de comercio porque para eso existen los órganos competentes; lo que buscamos es una participación más activa en el marco de la responsabilidad y del apoyo que desde el sector privado se pueda dar en un involucramiento más activo y participativo en los procesos de desarrollo de la región que son intereses generales para los estados. Teniendo en cuenta esto, lo que se pretende es lograr una Carta Interamericana que siga la misma estructura y que tenga el mismo nivel de compromisos políticos de la Carta Democrática Interamericana y de la Carta Social de las Américas.

Finalmente, me permito reiterar a todas las delegaciones mis más profundos agradecimientos y los de mi país por el apoyo ofrecido con generosidad en el proceso de negociación del proyecto de resolución que hoy presentamos. De igual forma, quiero invitar, desde ya, a todas las delegaciones a que participemos activamente para que la Organización pueda contar con un instrumento que no tenemos duda será de gran utilidad para nuestros países y nos permitirá avanzar en el desarrollo de la región.

Gracias, señora Presidenta.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Colombia.

Now recognize the delegation of Venezuela.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE VENEZUELA: Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

Muy brevemente para decir que la Delegación de Venezuela agradece a la Misión Permanente de Colombia la iniciativa tomada y quisiera formular nuestra intención de copatrocinar este proyecto de resolución.

Muchas gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Venezuela.

Now recognize the delegation of the United States.

El REPRESENTANTE ALTERNO DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS: Thank you, Madam Chair. The United States would like to thank Colombia for its tireless efforts to introduce this topic at the Organization of American States (OAS)’s General Assembly.

As a strong supporter of the OAS’ entrepreneurship initiatives, we welcome the opportunity to highlight the critical importance of the private sector in achieving sustainable development. We believe this initiative will provide an opportunity for OAS member states to consider policies and measures that can help to create an environment in which business can seamlessly access global goods, reduce risks, grow and create jobs.

The initiative will also provide us with an opportunity to listen to and to take seriously the recommendations of business associations and civil society groups on how to break down barriers to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Thank you again to the Government of Colombia, and we look forward to working with you all to promote private sector development and its role in driving innovation, generating prosperity, and fostering inclusive and competitive economies across the region.

Thank you very much.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of the United States.

And there being no further requests for the floor, the Chair proposes that the Permanent Council agrees upon the draft resolution and any changes already recorded by the Secretariat.

The Chair recognizes the delegation of Bolivia. You have the floor.

El REPRESENTANTE ALTERNO DE BOLIVIA: Gracias, señora Presidenta.

Bolivia también se suma a los agradecimientos a la iniciativa de Colombia; consideramos que el desarrollo del sector productivo privado, en armonía con las políticas estatales, es clave para el desarrollo de los países y el desarrollo social conjunto. También alentamos y sostenemos una política fuerte de hacer competitivos nuestros sectores productivos en el marco de las iniciativas privadas e innovación constante del sector. Así que expresamos, manifiesta y expresamente, todo nuestro respaldo a Colombia.

Muchas gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Bolivia.

And there being no further requests for the floor, the Chair proposes that the Permanent Council agrees upon a draft resolution. The draft resolution will be sent to the Plenary of the General Assembly for its consideration.

There being no objections, it is so agreed. Agreed.

Proyecto de resolución “Promoción de la respuesta hemisférica al cambio climático en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19”

La PRESIDENTA: We will now move to item five, and this next item in the order of business refers to the consideration of the draft resolution: “Advancing the Hemispheric Response to Climate Change in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” which was presented by the Permanent Missions of Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, through document CP/INF.8773/20.

I offer the floor to delegations wishing to refer to this draft resolution.

We now recognize the delegation of Barbados.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE BARBADOS: Madam Chair and delegates, good morning.

It is certainly my honor on behalf of Barbados, the delegations of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as well as the countries and the jurisdictions of Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, to introduce this draft resolution for the consideration of the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS).

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the smallness and fragility of our global community. This pandemic is an existential threat to which we have all born witness, whose damning effects have ended lives all across the world, and whose economic toll is still being quantified.

The current displacement of livelihoods in this new reality is a dark preview of the existential threat of climate change. Barbados is firmly of the view that we cannot contemplate a return to normalcy while the climate crisis looms over our long-term recovery.

Barbados is well aware that it is not alone in this thinking. Twenty-two member states have joined us in our call to escalate climate action in this Hemisphere, and to bring the weight of this Organization to bear on the international community to support this effort.

This year, climate-centered texts appeared in draft resolutions on food and security, integral development, multidimensional security and human rights. This is evidence that the Americas as a whole has also done a serious reckoning of the impacts of climate change across the four pillars of this Organization.

While the pandemic will erase nine percent of Latin America and the Caribbean’s gross domestic product (GDP) this year alone, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and its research has shown that economic losses in the region will be many times greater by the year 2050 due to climate change on its own. As this region’s chief political convener, the OAS was made for a moment like this, and we must act now to ensure that our region’s recovery from this crisis is one that is both durable and sustainable.

Through four rounds of informal negotiations, robust debates grounded in good faith and flexibility by all member states, Barbados can now present a consensus text that conveys the will of the entire region of the Americas. This resolution does not redraft international agreements, nor coin new terms. Instead, it draws on the scholarship of international financial institutions (IFIs) and others to make its case for sustainable, low-emission and climate resilient recovery in the wake of COVID-19. It encourages climate-specific Dialogue between member states, permanent observers and external donors to attract funding, technology, and support for projects that benefit all member states at this critical time in our development.

It is testimony to the merit of this draft resolution that the overwhelming majority of delegations intervened to strengthen, not weaken, its level of ambition. At a time when divisiveness has too often defined our talks, our works on this text remind us of the true spirit of the Americas, of camaraderie, mutual respect and a common purpose.

Barbados is humbled and grateful, and we are excited by the cooperation possibilities that these mandates will now introduce. Barbados gives each member state our commitment that we will follow through on the implementation of this resolution and continue to spread our cooperation that we forged during these negotiations.

Chair, I end as I began, by thanking all member states who worked with Barbados on this text, and reiterating our deepest appreciation to the delegations of Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Granada, Guyana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago for their co-sponsorship and continued endorsement of our works.

I am obliged to you, Madam.

Thank you.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Barbados, and now recognize the delegation of the United States.

El REPRESENTANTE ALTERNO DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS: Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Ambassador Lynch.

As you know, this resolution is a difficult one for the United States. That said, we thank delegations for their flexibility during the negotiations, and we appreciate that the delegation of Barbados, as Chair, sought to forge consensus on these complex issues.

The United States has concerns about this resolution’s intent to create a nexus between climate issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. We offer edits throughout the negotiations to reflect that these matters should not be conflated. We will issue a footnote to the entire resolution underscoring that references to climate change and/or the Paris Agreement are without prejudice to U.S. positions.

The United States reiterates that it has submitted a formal notification of its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement to the United Nations (ONU) on November 4, 2019. The withdrawal will take effect one year from the delivery of the notification that is on November 4, 2020.

In closing, the United States continues to support the Organization of American States (OAS) work on resilience, specifically in areas where the OAS meaningfully adds value. On the specific issue of climate change, we may have to agree to disagree with our friends. We strongly oppose conflating conversations on resilience with issues that are best addressed in other international forums.

Thank you very much.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of the United States, and now recognize the delegation of Nicaragua.

El REPRESENTANTE INTERINO DE NICARAGUA: Gracias, señora Presidenta.

Quiero agradecer enormemente al Embajador Lynch por todo el esfuerzo, igualmente, como país copatrocinador de esta importante resolución, la apoyamos plenamente y creemos que es un buen esfuerzo y sobre todo refleja que aún hay esperanza en la Organización para atender las cosas que realmente debemos de atender como países. Hay un nexo entre cambio climático y lo que tiene que ver precisamente con el actor pandemia y en futuras pandemias que se puedan desarrollar. En la medida que nosotros sigamos atentando en contra de la naturaleza y nuestro ecosistema, obviamente la naturaleza va a seguir respondiendo y adecuándose a este tipo de afectaciones que nosotros hacemos como seres humanos.

No me queda más entonces que agradecer al Embajador Lynch por este esfuerzo y esperamos entonces tener una buena resolución, sobre todo que rompe con elementos monotemáticos que tenemos acá en la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA).

Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Nicaragua.

And there being no further requests for the floor, the Chair proposes that the Permanent Council agrees upon the draft resolution, including the footnote of the delegation of the United States or any other changes already recorded by the General Secretariat. This draft resolution will be sent to the Plenary of the General Assembly for its consideration.

There being no objections, it is so agreed. Agreed.

Informe de actividades del Consejo Interamericano para el Desarrollo Integral (CIDI) a la Asamblea General, para el período 2019-2020

La PRESIDENTA: We now move to item six on the agenda. The following agenda item refers to the Report on the 2019-2020 activities of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) to the General Assembly, which was published as document CIDI/doc.297/20 rev.1, and includes the draft resolutions entitled “Advancing Hemispheric Initiatives on Integral Development” CIDI/doc.298/20 rev.1, and “The Challenges to Food Security and Nutrition in the Americas in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic under the Framework of the Plan of Action of Guatemala 2019,” CIDI/doc.299/2020.

Informe de la Presidencia del CIDI

Proyecto de resolución “Impulsando iniciativas hemisféricas en materia de desarrollo integral”

Proyecto de resolución “Los desafíos para la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional en las Américas frente a la pandemia de COVID-19 en el marco del Plan de Acción de Guatemala 2019”

El PRESIDENTE: I would like to offer the floor to the Chair of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI), the Permanent Representative of Haiti, Ambassador Léon Charles.

Ambassador Charles, you have the floor.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE HATÍ: Merci beaucoup, Madame la Présidente. Bonjour à tous nos collègues

Madame la Présidente, j'ai le plaisir de m'adresser au Conseil permanent en ma qualité de Président du Conseil interaméricain pour le développement intégré (CIDI), et de vous informer que le Rapport annuel du CIDI a été approuvé par les États membres pour transmission à l'Assemblée générale. Le Rapport couvre la période 2019-2020 et fait la chronique des activités du Conseil permanent, de ses organes subsidiaires et de celle du Secrétariat exécutif pour le développement intégré. Le Rapport décrit également certains des nombreux succès enregistrés par le Secrétariat pour le développement intégré, en particulier dans la manière dont il a pu répondre aux besoins des États membres à la suite de la pandémie COVID-19.

En réponse au COVID-19 le CIDI a déployé une approche en trois (3) volets pour soutenir les États membres, a ajusté son portefeuille de projets existants pour aider les États membres dans leurs efforts de réponse au COVID-19. Il a exploré de nouveaux projets qui ont pu être rapidement mis en œuvre et a renforcé sa portée auprès des partenaires multisectoriels pour compléter ses efforts.

Madame la Présidente,

Nous ne saurions trop insister sur le fait que CIDI a entrepris un travail remarquable pendant une période très difficile. Je peux affirmer avec certitude que chaque État membre a bénéficié des travaux du Secrétariat au cours de l'année écoulée.

Madame la Présidente, je suis heureux d'annoncer que le CIDI s'est réengagé à travailler en collaboration avec les États membres sur la question spécifique du renforcement de la résilience alors que nous travaillons pour nous remettre de cette pandémie mortelle.

À cet effet, au cours des derniers mois, le CIDI s'est concentré sur une compréhension plus approfondie du renforcement de la résilience et a spécifiquement jeté les bases de la construction d'une coopération et de partenariat pour le renforcement de la résilience entre les États membres, en mettant l'accent sur les opportunités de participation publique et privée, l'investissement dans le renforcement de la résilience économique, sociale et environnementale.

Madame la Présidente, j'ai également le plaisir de vous informer que deux (2) résolutions seront soumises par le CIDI à l'Assemblée générale. La résolution intitulée « Faire progresser les initiatives continentales en matière de développement intégré », document CIDI/CPD/doc.298/20. Deuxièmement, la résolution intitulée « Les défis de la sécurité alimentaire et de la nutrition dans les Amériques dans le contexte de la pandémie du COVID-19 dans le cadre du Plan d'action du Guatemala 2019 », présenté par la délégation du Guatemala et co-parrainé par les délégations de la Barbade, Bolivie, Brésil, Chili, Costa Rica, République dominicaine, Équateur, Salvador, Haïti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexique, Panama, Paraguay, Pérou et Venezuela, document CD/CPD/doc.201/20.

Je remercie les membres des divers organes subsidiaires du CIDI, de l'Agence interaméricaine de coopération et de développement et des Comités interaméricains pour leur leadership au cours de l'année. Merci à toutes les délégations présentes dans cette salle pour votre contribution au Dialogue, pour votre participation aux réunions et pour l'engagement de vos Gouvernements dans les travaux du CIDI.

Enfin, Madame la Présidente, ma délégation exprime sa gratitude à la Secrétaire exécutive Kim Osborne pour son leadership solide, au directeur et au personnel du Secrétariat pour leur dévouement et leur travail acharné et les félicite pour les programmes et activités qui ont vraiment un impact sur la vie et les moyens de subsistance des habitants de notre Hémisphère.

Merci, Madame la Présidente.

La PRESIDENTA: We appreciate the presentation of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) Annual Report.

As reported by Ambassador Charles, the draft resolution “Promoting Hemispheric Initiatives in the Area of Integral Development” and the draft resolution “The Challenges to Food Security and Nutrition in the Americas in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic under the framework of the Plan of Action of Guatemala 2019” were both agreed by CIDI at the meeting held on October 15, 2020.

I now offer the floor to the delegations for any additional comment.

The delegation of Guatemala is recognized. Guatemala, you have the floor.

La REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE GUATEMALA: Gracias, señora Presidenta.

Permítame expresar el agradecimiento de Guatemala por el acompañamiento y apoyo que brindó la Presidencia del Consejo Interamericano para el Desarrollo Integral (CIDI), la Presidenta de la Comisión de Políticas del CIDI y, en particular, a los Estados Miembros por su trabajo delicado y comprometido con la búsqueda de un texto de consenso que nos ha permitido llegar a este día importante en el cual estamos presentando ante este Consejo Permanente el seguimiento a lo hecho por el señor Presidente del CIDI, el proyecto de resolución “Los Desafíos para la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional en las Américas frente a la pandemia del COVID-19 en el marco del Plan de Acción de Guatemala 2019”.

Mi Delegación agradece a los estados que copatrocinan esta resolución. Son dieciocho estados, señora Presidenta, los que se han sumado a todos los demás estados de la región para impulsar esta iniciativa, señora Presidenta, que es de todos ahora.

Señor Presidente, tanto Guatemala como los demás países aquí presentes, hemos reiterado, en éste y en otros foros, la enorme preocupación que nos une por los efectos que ha tenido y seguirá teniendo el COVID-19 y los efectos que está causando de varios retrocesos en la región ocasionando graves repercusiones en el incremento de la pobreza, la pobreza extrema, la desigualdad y el hambre en nuestro Hemisferio.

Los países de la región no podemos ser indiferentes; por ello, Guatemala, junto a varios países de la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA), hemos promovido varias acciones para que se priorice en este foro temas tan importantes para nuestros contextos, como la seguridad alimentaria; el combate de la pobreza y la pobreza extrema; la educación; la inclusión laboral y el fortalecimiento de las políticas de protección social; además en el ámbito de la OEA nuestros países han liderado importantes avances en la región interamericana, como la adopción de la “Declaración Interamericana de Prioridades en Materia de Desarrollo Social: Equidad e Inclusión Social: Superando la Pobreza Multidimensional y Cerrando las Brechas de Equidad Social: hacia una Agenda Interamericana de Desarrollo Social”, adoptada durante la Cuarta Reunión de Ministros y Altas Autoridades de Desarrollo Social en la OEA, en Guatemala en el año 2019. Asimismo, la adopción, por primera vez, en el ámbito de Desarrollo Social en la OEA del Plan de Acción de Guatemala, Superando la Pobreza Multidimensional y Cerrando las Brechas de Equidad Social: hacia una Agenda Interamericana de Desarrollo Social, en el año 2019, constituye una hoja de ruta con acciones concretas para que nuestros estados logren avanzar en objetivos tan esenciales para la región como la erradicación de la pobreza en todas sus dimensiones, el fortalecimiento de los sistemas de protección social y cooperación hemisférica para promover el desarrollo social en las Américas.

Todos aspiramos alcanzar la seguridad alimentaria y educacional para nuestras poblaciones y, para lograrlo, debemos trabajar juntos sin perder de vista, nunca, a los más vulnerables. Es por eso que esta resolución abarca temas importantes para todos los Estados Miembros de esta Organización, los cuales incluyen la atención a la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional de nuestras poblaciones, especialmente las más vulnerables; la importancia del comercio de alimentos; la apicultura familiar; la inocuidad alimentaria; la ubicación geográfica; y, las condiciones climáticas, entre otros.

Para concluir, señora Presidenta, Guatemala destaca la importancia del trabajo que vienen realizando las organizaciones del sistema interamericano y de las Naciones Unidas (ONU) especializadas en la materia que abordan esta temática. En ese sentido, consideramos importante que la OEA continúe siendo una plataforma de diálogo político para compartir mejores prácticas, fomentar alianzas, promover y facilitar cooperación técnica, así como de impulsar la generación de proyectos con una perspectiva de desarrollo y de derechos humanos que puedan aportar a la superación de la integridad alimentaria y la desnutrición en las Américas.

Nuevamente, nuestros sinceros agradecimientos a todos los países que prestaron su copatrocinio: Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haití, Honduras, Nicaragua, México, Panamá, Paraguay, Perú, República Dominicana y Venezuela, y a todos los Estados Miembros que hicieron suyo este proyecto de resolución. Agradecemos sinceramente el apoyo de la Secretaría de Acceso a Derechos y Equidad (SADyE) y a la Secretaría Técnica del CIDI, especialmente a la Secretaria Kim Osborne.

Gracias, señora Presidenta.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Guatemala for your intervention.

And there being no more requests for the floor, the Chair of the Permanent Council suggests submitting to the General Assembly the two draft resolutions presented by the Chair of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI).

If there are no objections, it is so agreed. Agreed

The Chair also proposes that the Permanent Council take note of the CIDI Annual Report, as well as the observations and recommendations of the delegations, which we will proceed to forward to the General Assembly in compliance with the provisions of Article 91.f of the Charter of the Organization.

If there are no objections, we will proceed in this way. Agreed.

Informe de actividades de la Comisión de Asuntos Administrativos y Presupuestarios (CAAP), para el período 2019-2020

La PRESIDENTA: We will now move to item seven on the agenda. The following agenda item refers to the report on the 2019-2020 activities of the Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs (CAAP) to the General Assembly, and includes the draft resolution entitled “Program-Budget of the Organization for 2021”.

Informe de la Presidencia de la CAAP

Proyecto de resolución “Programa-presupuesto de la Organización para 2021”

El PRESIDENTE: I would like to offer the floor to the Chair of the Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affair (CAAP), the Permanent Representative of the United States, Ambassador Carlos Trujillo.

Ambassador Trujillo, you have the floor.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS: Thank you, Madam Chair. It is a pleasure to see you.

In my capacity as Chair of the Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs (CAAP), it is my pleasure to present for consideration by the Permanent Council a summary of tasks accomplished with the view to reviewing and approving Program-Budget for 2021.

The CAAP held ten formal meetings and eighteen informal meetings to analyze and deliberate on business matters, including the proposed Program-Budget, the draft resolution text and the work being carried out by the corresponding working groups. The written report contains all the details in regard to the activities and topics considered during this period, many of which had been subject of discussion to decisions at this level. So, I will concentrate on reporting the recent activities of the CAAP during the negotiations of the Program-Budget.

The CAAP initiated the consideration of the 2021 budget ceiling at the first meeting held in February. Due to the pandemic, circumstances did not allow the CAAP to finalize these deliberations at the beginning of the year. Once they were able to continue the work virtually, the CAAP resumed its activities.

During the negotiations, some delegations expressed concerns over the amount of quota every year and its impact on the Treasury Fund, as well as the possibility of some countries being unable to pay their quotas this year due to the pandemic. Several delegations insisted that the Organization should consider spending cuts and take austerity measures, like many member states have done and continue to do. The fact that the larger contributors will be reduced this quota percentage places greater responsibility on the rest of the member states with respect to timely quotas.

At the meeting held on August 21, 2020, delegations agreed to a compromise proposal establishing a ceiling of 79 million dollars. The CAAP then requested the General Secretariat to prepare a draft Program-Budget for member states. At a meeting on September 15, the CAAP received the presentation of the proposed budget by the General Secretariat.

After deliberations and based on the comments from delegations, the CAAP instructed the General Secretariat to present the following: A revised proposed budget that does not involve the use any Reserve Sub funds, spread the cuts across the chapters and allocate the full number of resources required to be allocated under chapter IV.

In compliance with the request from the CAAP, the Chief of Staff of the Secretary General, on September 28, presented two budget scenarios that met these conditions. At this meeting, the CAAP also agreed to the Chair’s proposed methodology for the analysis and negotiation of this budget. At the request of the Committee, the Secretariat for Administration and Finance (SAF) presented on October 2, 2020, the templates reflecting the impact of both scenarios by chapter in the specialized organ.

Thereafter, delegations were asked to submit comments and any proposals to adjust ICR funding for a particular chapter or organs of oversight bodies and chapters. The CAAP intensely engaged in informal consultation and meeting. An informal study group of six countries reviewed these proposals prior and then presented the CAAP the recommendations for adjustment. These revised proposals with member states allowed a consensus to be reached as the agreed budgetary allocations are mainly focused on the chapter level.

The resolution instructed the General Secretariat to submit a draft subprogram distribution resources no later than November 3, 2020. Then the CAAP will consider it and submit it to the Council for final approval before November 18. It is also worth noting that delegations have included a list of priority areas that they want to see reflected in the allocation of resources by subprogram.

Madam Chair, I am pleased to present the Permanent Council the draft resolution “Program-Budget of the Organization for 2021.” This agreement would not have been possible without the flexibility and compromise of all delegations. All member states are seeing cuts to the priorities as a result of the budget. We are all understanding the sacrifice we must make to preserve the functioning of the Organization while also taking into consideration the financial challenges facing member states.

As I conclude this report on the work of the CAAP in preparation for the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly, I wish to express my gratitude to my fellow ambassadors and delegations of all missions for the contribution, participation and dedication throughout this process.

In particular, I would like to take an opportunity to thank my Vice-Chairs, Ambassador Elisa Ruiz Díaz and Ambassador María Lorena Sol de Pool; the Chairs of the Working Group, Estela Queirolo de Tealdi from Uruguay—who has left the Organization of American States (OAS)—, Henry Pfeiffer from Brazil, Saira Ponce from Honduras, Virna Ruiz from Peru; also, Vice-Chairs of these groups, Carolina Vera from Paraguay, Carolina Schlesinger from Colombia, and Felipe Aravena from Chile. I thank you all for all your professionalism and work to support the Committee.

Finally, I would like to thank the Secretariat for Administration and Finance, Secretary Charles Grover, Javier Arnaiz and Oscar Chavera, and Dr. Ruben Farje of the Department of Legal Services for their professionalism work.

Lastly, but not least, I would like to give my deepest gratitude to the Committee Secretary, Ileana Navarro, for all her tireless efforts and support in our work.

That is the report, Madam Chair.

La PRESIDENTA: Ambassador Trujillo, thanks for presenting the report of the activities carried out by the Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs (CAAP) and the draft resolution.

Dear colleagues, as was mentioned by the Chair of CAAP, we have in front of us a draft resolution that was agreed to in the framework of discussions carried out in this Committee.

I now offer the floor to the delegations for any additional comment.

The delegation of Brazil is recognized.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DEL BRASIL: Thank you, Madame Chair.

Gostaria de felicitar o Embaixador Carlos Trujillo, Representante Permanente dos Estados Unidos da América e os Vice-Presidentes da Comissão de Assuntos Administrativos e Orçamentários (CAAP) pela liderança que mostraram durante o processo de negociação do orçamento-programa 2021, para o qual o Brasil também teve a satisfação de contribuir.

Congratulamos também todas as delegações que trabalharam mais proximamente para que fosse possível alcançar consenso em torno do orçamento do próximo ano, em condições que nós sabemos que são desafiadoras em razão da pandemia da COVID-19.

Reconhecemos que a conjuntura do próximo ano será mais difícil do que a experimentada pela Organização no atual exercício fiscal, mas estamos certos de que o orçamento-programa que acordamos hoje representa o equilíbrio possível para que a Organização tenha condições de manter-se atuante e para que seja capaz de cumprir plenamente os mandatos que os Estados membros decidirem aprovar para 2021.

Muito obrigado, Senhora Presidente, pela atenção.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Brazil for your intervention.

We recognize the late request of Canada for the floor.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DEL CANADÁ: I know, Madam Chair, a late request. Clearly technological challenged these days, so my regrets, but I am here, and I really wanted to take an opportunity to thank very much Ambassador Trujillo for his leadership at the Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs (CAAP), and the tireless efforts of his delegation, his team, namely Christina Burk and Ben Barron. They worked very hard on this over the last while and also commend both Brazil and Peru for their work as chairs of the resolution and technical working groups. And, of course, the Secretariat, as Ambassador Trujillo mentioned, for all of its contributions and assistance. The CAAP would not run with the support of Ileana Navarro, and I would like to particularly thank her and highlight her excellent work.

As colleagues have mentioned, this was a uniquely difficult budget to allocate, given that the adjustments that were required and to the budget ceiling. We are very thankful for the work and flexibility of all member states that have enabled us to deliver a consensus budget. Efforts remain to spread the pain as equitably as possible, and we have made every effort to empower Secretaries to manage these cuts.

Canada recognizes that the path ahead will not be easy, but we pledge to continue to work with the Secretariat and with fellow member states to support the Organization of American States (OAS).

Thank you.

La PRESIDENTA: There being no further requests for the floor, the Chair of the Permanent Council suggests submitting to the General Assembly the draft resolution presented by the Chair of CAAP, “Program-Budget of the Organization for 2021.”

If there are no objections, it is so agreed. Agreed.

We recognize the delegation of Honduras. Are you requesting to speak on this item?

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE HONDURAS: Buenos días. Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

La Delegación de Honduras reconoce los trabajos realizados por el Embajador Carlos Trujillo, Presidente de la Comisión de Asuntos Administrativos y Presupuestarios (CAAP), así como el de las vicepresidencias y el de los grupos de trabajo por concluir de manera satisfactoria las deliberaciones del Presupuesto de la Organización para el año 2020-2021. Asimismo, aprovechamos para reconocer a la Secretaría General por ser parte del proceso de deliberación.

Honduras valora de manera especial el esfuerzo realizado por todos los Estados Miembros durante todo el proceso de preparación y deliberación; por acordar un presupuesto realista y consistente con el impacto económico por la pandemia del COVID-19 y que nos obliga a todos a lograr consensos en materia de recorte presupuestario que seguramente no quisimos hacer.

Si bien el proceso de estabilización económica en la región ha comenzado ahora mismo, el mismo sigue siendo lento y frágil, lo que seguramente hará que el proceso de recuperación sea más largo de lo esperado haciendo ver que este ejercicio de consolidación presupuestaria sea una gran oportunidad para buscar eficiencias en costos que sean permanentes y que permitan a la Organización afrontar los retos que este nuevo normal nos plantea.

Reiteramos nuestro compromiso desde la Delegación de Honduras para seguir colaborando con el trabajo de esta Comisión.

Muchísimas gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Honduras.

Now we recognize the delegation of Nicaragua.

El REPRESENTANTE INTERINO DE NICARAGUA: Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

Muy con brevedad, solamente para reconocer la encomiable labor realizada por el Embajador Carlos Trujillo al frente de la Comisión de Asuntos Administrativos y Presupuestarios (CAAP), al igual que a las vicepresidencias y los representantes en los diferentes grupos de trabajo. Creemos que en esta etapa difícil del COVID-19, obviamente, la situación financiera se vuelve un poco más estresante; sin embargo, queremos reconocer este valioso esfuerzo realizado por el Embajador Trujillo y su equipo.

Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Nicaragua.

There being no further requests for the floor, we have now concluded consideration of the 2019-2020 Report on the Activities of the Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs (CAAP), and I thus propose that we take note of the presentation made by the CAAP Chair, as well as the interventions made by delegations.

There being no objection, it is so agreed. Agreed.

I remind delegations that the following two items have been included in the agenda for this regular meeting for consideration by the Permanent Council, acting as the Preparatory Committee of the General Assembly, pursuant to article 91(c) of the Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS).

Nota del Secretario General mediante la cual presenta una solicitud para que el Presidente del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo haga una intervención durante el quincuagésimo período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General

La PRESIDENTE: Item eight. This next item in the order of business is the consideration of the note by the Secretary General requesting to include a brief presentation by the President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) during the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly. This note was distributed to delegations as document AG/CP/doc.979/20.

In that sense I ask delegations if they agree to update the draft schedule of the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly to include a brief presentation by the President of the IADB, right after the presentations that already are included by the organs and organismos of the Organization of American States (OAS).

If there are no comments, it is considered agreed. Agreed.

I request the Secretariat to update the draft schedule for the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly accordingly and distribute it to delegations.

Nota de la Misión Permanente de la República Dominicana mediante la cual solicita que se examine y se adopte una modalidad para el orden de las intervenciones de los ministros de relaciones exteriores o los jefes de delegación

La PRESIDENTA: Item nine. This next item in the order of business is a note by the Permanent Mission of the Dominican Republic requesting to discuss the modality of the order of the interventions of the ministers of foreign affairs. This note was distributed to delegations as document AG/CP/doc.980/20.

I will now offer the floor to the Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic, regarding this note.

Dominican Republic, you have the floor.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE LA REPÚBLICA DOMINICANA: Thank you, Madam Chair. Can you hear me? Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

La República Dominicana, muy respetuosamente, desea solicitar que revisemos las consideraciones que se sometieron la semana pasada como recomendaciones para el procedimiento del próximo periodo ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General en virtud de que luego de un diálogo con la mayoría de las delegaciones, hemos entendido que sería prudente establecer un orden de precedencia para los oradores que van a participar de la sesión plenaria la semana próxima. En ese sentido, nosotros tenemos a bien sugerir que adoptemos el orden de precedencia, en orden alfabético, de acuerdo con la elección que se hizo por sorteo en el mes de marzo durante la sesión de aquel momento.

Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of the Dominican Republic, and now recognize the delegation of El Salvador.

La REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE EL SALVADOR: Good morning, Madam Chair. Buenos días a todos.

Queremos secundar la propuesta hecha por el distinguido Embajador de República Dominicana. Nos parece una propuesta muy lógica, muy correcta, que nos puede ayudar mucho en este próximo período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General.

Muchas gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of El Salvador.

Now recognize the delegation of Chile.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE CHILE: Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

Nosotros también creemos que la propuesta que ha sido formulada por el Embajador de la República Dominicana tiene lógica. Yo creo que ello nos permite contar con una mayor seguridad para importantes debates, que lo han hecho en sesiones anteriores. Por lo tanto nosotros, plenamente apoyamos la propuesta de República Dominicana.

Muchas gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Chile.

Now recognize the delegation of Mexico.

La REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE MÉXICO: Gracias, señora Presienta.

Solamente para expresar que México apoya la solicitud de la Delegación de la República Dominicana.

Gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Mexico.

Now recognize the delegation of Panama.

La REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE PANAMÁ: Panamá también quiere sumarse al apoyo de la propuesta de República Dominicana, no sólo porque nos permite organizarnos en nuestras cancillerías de mejor forma en la agenda de nuestros cancilleres sino también creo que facilita la propia operación de la Secretaría General Adjunta en cuanto, por ejemplo, al tema tecnológico, a los mensajes pregrabados, etcétera. Así que, realmente vemos muy positiva esta propuesta.

Gracias, Presidenta.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Panama.

Now recognize the delegation of Ecuador.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DEL ECUADOR: Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

Al igual que las delegaciones anteriores, el Ecuador también considera y apoya la propuesta de la República Dominicana que ciertamente fue adscrita en la celebración de las deliberaciones, en particular de los jefes de delegaciones, de los cancilleres y, obviamente, este es un pedido y una aceptación de propuesta para el período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General, por lo que corresponde en estos momentos sentar un precedente para esta ocasión dado que es la primera vez que entramos en un proceso virtual del período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General y para facilitar los trabajos me parece una muy oportuna propuesta y la apoyamos.

Muchas gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Ecuador.

Now recognize the delegation of Guatemala.

La REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE GUATEMALA: Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

En primer lugar para agradecer al Embajador de República Dominicana, Josué Fiallo, por esta muy cuidadosa iniciativa, tomando en consideración –como han dicho mis antecesores en el uso de la palabra– que es el primer período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General de manera virtual y lo que queremos es, como él ha indicado, un mejor y mayor aprovechamiento del tiempo y asegurar la organización de la sesión plenaria. Entonces, Guatemala agradece la propuesta y la apoya plenamente.

Gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Guatemala.

Now recognize the delegation of Uruguay.

El REPRESENTANTE ALTERNO DEL URUGUAY: Muy bien, gracias Presidenta.

De verdad, completamente de acuerdo con la propuesta que se acaba de realizar, es absolutamente organizada, nos permite un anexo de lógica de trabajo para poder prever los tiempos, las cargas horarias de todos y cada uno de nosotros y, bueno, realmente yo diría que es un salto positivo para poder trabajar de manera organizada y metodológicamente adecuada. Así que, estamos muy congratulados de llevar adelante y aprobar la iniciativa.

Gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Uruguay.

Now recognize the delegation of Barbados.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE BARBADOS: Thank you, Madam Chair.

First and foremost, we would wish to thank the delegation of Dominican Republic for considering this proposal and bringing this to the floor of our regular meeting. We believe that this system will allow delegations in a virtual setting to be better prepared to present at the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly. Taking into account that many of our ministries of foreign affairs are going to be pressed into dealing with obviously with embassies and missions in a remote setting, we think that this brings more certainty to the process, and allows us, overall, to be better prepared. So, we endorse this particular action.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Barbados.

Now recognize the delegation of Honduras.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE HONDURAS: Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

Al igual que las delegaciones que me antecedieron, quiero sumarme a la propuesta presentada por el Embajador de la República Dominicana. Me parece que esta propuesta nos permitirá establecer mucho mejor nuestras agendas.

Muchas gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Honduras.

Now recognize the delegation of Venezuela.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE VENEZUELA: Thank you, Madam Chair. Simplemente, señora Presidenta, para respaldar la propuesta que acaba de ser formulada por la delegación de la República Dominicana, en el entendido de que es una contribución a una mejor realización del período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General, dadas las condiciones de virtualidad en que la vamos a desarrollar y les permite a los ministros de relaciones exteriores tener un mejor manejo de sus respectivas agendas.

Gracias, señora Presidenta.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Venezuela.

Now recognize the delegation of Canada.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DEL CANADÁ: Thank you, Madam Chair. Like others before us, we would like to thank the distinguished Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic for bringing forward this very constructive proposal, and it is one we also support.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Canada.

Now we recognize the delegation of Peru.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DEL PERÚ: Presidenta, gracias, buen día a usted y a todos los Representantes ante la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA).

Totalmente de acuerdo con esta iniciativa planteada por el Representante Permanente de la República Dominicana, sin embargo creo que se hace necesaria una puntualización. A la fecha no se tiene confirmada la participación de todos los señores cancilleres y tal como está, mostramos el formato de hoy, primero hablan todos los representantes y luego los observadores. Yo también creo que se debe entender que se debe priorizar a los cancilleres que participan, es decir si una delegación acredita a su canciller, obviamente está en un primer espacio, aquellas representaciones que no hayan acreditado a su canciller entran en un segundo espacio. Con esto, obviamente le vamos a dar la prestancia que un evento de esta magnitud exige, que es un período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General una vez al año. Y a efecto de ello, dejo asentada esta observación que espero pueda ser asumida.

Gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: There are no further requests for the floor. I see there is a consensus to establish a modality of the order of the interventions of ministers of foreign affairs or Heads of Delegation. We note also the recommendation of the delegation of Peru to be taken into consideration. So, the procedure that we will follow is as proposed by the delegation of the Dominican Republic by taking the recommendations made in consideration. If there are no more comments, it is so agreed. Agreed.

I request the Secretariat to update accordingly the draft recommendations on procedure for the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly, document AG/CP/doc.976/20 rev. 2 and distribute it to delegations.

I thank the delegation of the Dominican Republic for requesting the inclusion of this item in today’s order of business.

Establecimiento de la Comisión de Estilo del quincuagésimo período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General

La PRESIDENTA: Next item on the agenda is item 10, and this next item refers to the establishment of the Style Committee for the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly, as provided in Article 28 of the General Assembly Rules of Procedure. I quote:

“The Permanent Council of the Organization shall constitute a Style Committee composed of delegations appointed at the last regular meeting it holds before each regular or special session of the General Assembly, and each such delegation shall represent one of the four official languages of the Organization.

The Style Committee shall receive the resolutions, declarations, and recommendations issued by the General Assembly, shall correct their defects of form, and shall ensure equivalency among the versions in the official languages. If it notes defects of form that it cannot correct, the Style Committee shall submit the matter to the Permanent Council for resolution”.

The Chair proposes that the Style Committee include the following delegations: Brazil, for Portuguese; Canada, for French; United States, for English; and Colombia for Spanish. This Permanent Council is reminded that meetings of the Style Committee will be open to the participation of all delegations.

If there are no objections, it is so agreed. Agreed.

Otros asuntos

El PRESIDENTE: We now move to the last item on the agenda, item 11, “Other business”. For the final item on the agenda for this meeting refers to “Other business”. Regarding the designation of the scrutineers for the elections that will take place during the General Assembly, I request the good offices of the Assistant Secretary General to identify and choose them among delegates, taking into account regional and gender diversity.

I now offer the floor to delegations that wish to bring to the attention of this Permanent Council any other informative matters.

I now recognize our Assistant Secretary General. Ambassador Nestor Mendez, you have the floor.

El SECRETARIO GENERAL ADJUNTO: Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

On the matter of the scrutineers that will help the General Secretariat undertake the management of the elections next week for the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly, I am very pleased to inform and thank the delegation of Colombia that has already submitted a name of one of the persons who will help us to be a scrutineer. We thank them very much, we hope that we will get to other volunteers very, very soon, because we need to do the necessary training with them and the walk through with them of the premises.

If you allow me also, Madam Chair, I would like to make a couple of announcements regarding the planning for the upcoming regular session of the General Assembly. There are 16 delegations, dieciséis, that have still not submitted their letters of accreditation nor any indication of who will be allowed into the plenary session, or who will be allowed into the General Committee. We also have our first event on Monday morning, the permanent observers. I really would like to request those delegations that have not done so as yet to please submit your letters of accreditation indicating who will be attending, especially the plenary sessions and the General Committee.

We have the first event on Monday morning with the permanent observers, and the way it is planned, five members per delegation will be allowed entry into the room. Just for the management of space purposes, so we would also appreciate it if you could indicate to us which one of those five will be allowed on Monday. This is for the Dialogue, remember. This is not a formal part of the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly; this is the Dialogue with the permanent observers. We hope to get an indication of the delegations as well.

This evening, we have additional technical trials, we have our technical staff on stand-by for any delegation who still wishes to do an additional technical tryout to connect either from capital or from the mission. We have our technicians on stand-by just to make sure that everybody has the capacity and does the trial before the beginning of the activities next week.

That is, it for now, Madam Chair. Thank you very much.

La PRESIDENTA: Thank you, Assistant Secretary General.

We now recognize the delegation of Chile. Chile, you have the floor.

El REPRESENTANTE PERMANENTE DE CHILE: Muchas gracias, señora Presidenta.

Yo quisiera solamente hacer una pregunta que está relacionada justo con lo último que se ha referido en cuanto al tema de estos eventos paralelos anteriores al período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General. Primero, entendemos que estos son eventos paralelos anteriores y que no forman parte del período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General y, por tanto, tienen una modalidad de acceso diferente a lo que es el período ordinario de sesiones de la Asamblea General, tanto en la plenaria como en la Comisión General. Por lo que para calificar, entonces, habría que señalar cinco personas para todos los eventos paralelos anteriores, los del día lunes, habría que enviar los nombres y ¿cuándo serían proveídas las plataformas de acceso para dichos eventos?

Muchas gracias.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Chile.

Now give the floor to the Assistant Secretary General for clarification.

El SECRETARIO GENERAL ADJUNTO: Thank you, Madam Chair.

We have the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly starting on Tuesday. On Monday we have the events prior to the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly that they are not part of it. We have mentioned to delegations that, in terms of the management of space in the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly, we will have two rooms: The plenary session and the General Committee. In the plenary session, we will have space for five delegates from each of the delegations. In the General Committee, we will have space for ten delegates from each one of the delegations.

We would like to receive from those delegations that have not done so as yet, the names and the e-mail addresses of the five delegates who will go into the plenary session, and the five who will go into the General Committee. We are also asking an indication of the five persons who will be participating in the Dialogue with the permanent observers on Monday and in the Dialogue with the civil society. I hope that answers the request from Chile.

And Madam Chair, just a very quick clarification. I said that we got that notification from the Permanent Mission of Colombia. We got it from Colombia, but it is in fact a delegate from Brazil. So, sorry about that, and thank you very much to Colombia and especially to Brazil.

Thank you.

La PRESIDENTA: Thank you, Assistant Secretary General.

We now recognize the delegation of Saint Lucia.

La REPRESENTANTE ALTERNA DE SANTA LUCÍA: Thank you, Madam Chair. Assistant Secretary General, delegations, good morning to all.

A point of clarification with respect to the schedule for the fiftieth regular session of the General Assembly. We note on Tuesday afternoon, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. we have the private Dialogue of Heads of Delegation with the Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General, and then on Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. we have the Dialog of Heads. It may have been explained previously, and I do seek your indulgence again, clarifying the difference between the two, or if one is the continuation of the other.

Thank you.

La PRESIDENTA: Thank you to the delegation of Saint Lucia.

We now turn over to you, Assistant Secretary General.

El SECRETARIO GENERAL ADJUNTO: Yes, thank you, Madam Chair.

In all sessions of the General Assembly, we have two types of what we denominate as dialogs: The Dialogue of Heads of Delegation, which is in fact in the plenary session where the Heads take the floor and present their principal intervention for the regular session of the General Assembly—that is called the Dialog of Heads—, and then we have the private dialog. The private dialog is a special space allocated where the Heads of delegation (plus one) have a private conversation away from everybody else.

When we are generally located in a conference room in one of our member states, this is pretty easy to achieve, because what we do is the Heads of delegation plus one more go into a space, we lock the door, and we ensure the conditions for a private conversation. This time, everything is being done virtually. There still is a private conversation among Heads, just bearing in mind that we do not have control over who else is viewing or listening because if a certain delegation has two people connected, but one of them in the room has ten other people listening, we cannot control that. So, I just want to point that out.

Specifically, in reply to Saint Lucia, the Dialog of Heads is in the plenary, and the private dialog is this other room where we will have a private conversation, up to the extent of that may be possible.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

La PRESIDENTA: Thank you, Assistant Secretary General.

We now recognize the delegation of Saint Lucia; you have the floor.

La REPRESENTANTE ALTERNA DE SANTA LUCÍA: Thank you, Assistant Secretary General, for the clarification. Just so that I am clear on this, the Dialogue of Heads of Delegation is within the plenary session but is really not classified as a third or fourth plenary session, correct? But, it is still part of the plenary.

El SECRETARIO GENERAL ADJUNTO: Yes.

La REPRESENTANTE ALTERNA DE SANTA LUCÍA: Thank you, sir. Thank you, Chair.

La PRESIDENTA: We thank the delegation of Saint Lucia, and we thank the Assistant Secretary General for the clarifications.

There being no more requests for the floor, we are going to finish today’s regular meeting early. I believe it was on the agenda that we would break at 12 to come back at 1:30 and expected to go until 5:30. I thank all member states for really participating in a timely way today so that we are able to finish the entire agenda at 12:00 and I want to use this opportunity to really support the Assistant Secretary General’s call for all delegations to probably use this time to finalize the arrangements that are necessary for your delegations to be presented, so that the Secretariat will have enough time to finish the planning for next week’s regular session of the General Assembly. So, I want to, again, support the call from the Assistant Secretary General, and really urge all member states to use this time, to finalize the delegations and other outstanding requests from the Secretariat.

I thank you all for your participation today and do have a very good rest of day and weekend, and we will gather again on Monday.

Thank you.

[Se levanta la sesión a las 11:56 a.m.]

AC03709T01

CP44327T01

ISBN 978-0-8270-7271-8

[1] . El Consejo Permanente, en calidad de Comisión Preparatoria de la Asamblea General, ha incluido los puntos 8 y 9 en el orden del día para su consideración de conformidad con el artículo 91.c de la Carta de la Organización de los Estados Americanos.

[2] . El Consejo Permanente, en calidad de Comisión Preparatoria de la Asamblea General, ha incluido los puntos 8 y 9 en el orden del día para su consideración de conformidad con el artículo 91.c de la Carta de la Organización de los Estados Americanos.