Caption: State Minister, Senator the Honourable Leslie Campbell makes his presentation to the 52nd Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Lima, Peru on Thursday, October 6.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Leslie Campbell says the Organization of American States (OAS) must continue to be strengthened in order to better assist member states in attaining hemispheric development objectives for the betterment of its peoples.
The Minister reiterated that, “efforts must be accelerated and renewed, to close the gaps that continue to exist in some areas.” According to the Minister, these areas include: access to affordable and essential medicines; debt forgiveness and long-term debt sustainability, particularly for Small States and digital transformation, as these are among the essential elements of the global partnership for development.
The State Minister said that, “The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the socio-economic gaps and other divisions in our societies, underscoring the need to adopt measures that ensure greater inclusiveness.” The Minister called for efforts towards improved and greater equality and opportunity for all, underpinned by appreciation for cultural diversity and mutual respect.
In offering solutions to challenges faced by the hemisphere, the Minister said that States must endeavour to provide opportunities for all citizens through the development of human capital. He noted that young people should be equipped with the necessary skills to compete, both regionally and globally. This, he suggested can be done through placing greater emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education (STEM).
The Minister further highlighted the need to focus on “the health and well-being of our people.” He stated that this is also critical to ensuring productive lifestyles which are indispensable to reducing the socio-economic gaps in our societies. He also commended the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) for its health leadership in the Region.
The importance of the global cause for reparatory justice for the victims and the descendants of the trans-Atlantic slave trade was underscored by the State Minister. This he said is “a vital element of the socio-economic development aspirations of the region which has to be part of an inclusive and non-discriminatory future.”
Prior to the start of the General Assembly, Minister Campbell participated in the second Ministerial Summit Implementation Review Group Meeting (SIRG) as a follow up to the 9th Summit of the Americas held in Los Angeles in June 2022.
Campbell participated in the 52nd Regular Session of the Organisation of American States (OAS) held from October 5- 7 under the theme, “Together Against Inequality and Discrimination.”
