ALBERT R. RAMDIN, ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
DEMOCRACY BRIDGE: MULTILATERAL REGIONAL EFFORTS FOR THE PROMOTION AND DEFENSE OF DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA AND AMERICA
July 12, 2007 - Washington, D.C.
Honorable Deborah Mae-Lovell, Chair of Permanent Council,
Dr Dante Caputo, Head of the Political Affairs Department of the OAS,
Your Excellency Abdoulaye Diop, Ambassador of the Republic of Mali and Chairman of the Convening Group of the Community of Democracies,
Distinguished Permanent Representatives,
Distinguished Permanent Observers,
Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Representatives of international and regional organizations,
Members of the Delegation of the African Union,
Members of the Staff of the OAS,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me start by thanking all of you for attending this closing session of this important conference under the telling title “Democracy Bridge: Multilateral regional efforts for the promotion and defense of democracy in Africa and America”.
In my view and from what I have heard from delegates to this conference, it has indeed been a very fruitful and productive two days. Like several speakers before me, it gives me great satisfaction to be able to already conclude that this forum has been a step in the right direction in support of a new democratic partnership, as Dr. Condoleezza Rice so eloquently stated in her opening remarks yesterday morning.
These last two days of working sessions, sharing of experiences and thematic discussions on the many challenges our continents face have reaped numerous ideas on how to move forward and build on the progress made so far, and strengthen the collaboration between the two regions.
Not only do we share similar challenges, but also many of our member states are bound by history, in particular by the transatlantic slave trade. It is therefore symbolic and of historic significance that this meeting is being held in the year that we all commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
Let me reiterate our support, recognition and appreciation to Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza and the African Union, in particular, to President Alpha Oumar Konare, as Chair of the African Union Commission for envisioning this historic event, which has brought representatives of distinct and yet similar continents together for the first time in a multilateral setting to engage in a focused dialogue on the promotion and defense of democracy - - a principle that we at the OAS hold dear.
Let me at the outset reaffirm that the leadership of this Organization stands ready to continue our engagement with our African counterparts in pursuit of our collective efforts to strengthen and operationalize regional instruments, such as the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Undoubtedly, many of our future joint efforts will work toward strengthening, promoting and consolidating democratic governance in our regions to the benefit of the citizens of Africa and the Americas.
Many of you may not know, but this joint initiative started almost five years ago, in this same building, with a special meeting between the Ambassadors of the African continent to the United States and the Permanent Representatives of the Organization of American States. Today, I am pleased to recognize the historic work of the convener of that initial meeting, the distinguished Ambassador of Grenada, Ambassador Denis Antoine, who was then Chairman of the Permanent Council of the OAS. Subsequently, he successfully canvassed support to have some African countries become Permanent Observers to the OAS. Ambassador Antoine, you have put us on a path which is not only historic, but also, as President Konare reminded us in his visionary statement yesterday, a most critical one in overcoming current and future challenges in order to more effectively and efficiently provide the peoples of both continents healthy, safe and prosperous lives.
Ladies and Gentlemen, when we listened to the main presentations yesterday morning during the opening session all the speakers recognized the progress made in terms of democracy, elections, rule of law and human rights. Implicit in those statements was the recognition that the strengthening and consolidation of democracy must continue to be nurtured and must remain a priority as states work toward achieving the ideals of democracy that have been enshrined in many of our constitutions.
During the course of these discussions, it became clear that there is consensus that while progress has been made, nation states, be they developed or developing, still face challenges such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, among other areas, which can undermine the positive efforts in building democracies and peaceful societies in both continents.
We all know the problems many in our continents encounter every day and sometimes every hour.
I do not need to remind you that while you traveled safely to this conference, millions in Africa and in the Americas do not have that privilege and often are exposed to direct threats to their families and themselves.
I do not need to remind you that while you had a decent breakfast this morning, after having slept in a comfortable bed under a roof, many millions of people in our continents did not sleep in a bed or under a roof, did not wake up and enjoy a refreshing bath followed by a meal. Instead, they woke up to the knowledge that they would face another day in which they will struggle to survive to the next day.
Under these circumstances of misery, social exclusion and discrimination, democracy cannot flourish. The priority or concern of these hundreds of millions who struggle merely to survive will not be the lofty ideals of democracy.
We therefore cannot afford to close our eyes to these realities. While I believe that efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, to promote the rule law and to defend human rights are of critical importance, in my view it is also clear that these efforts cannot be an end in themselves. They are, in my view, the necessary and critical foundations on which states can build their ability and capacity to respond to the needs of their citizens in a transparent and equitable manner, and in so doing build peaceful communities and viable economies, which can provide a safe living and working environment, and equal access to opportunity.
In this context, we note that regional governance is becoming more and more important, not only in light of the cross-border nature and the impact of many of the challenges our countries are facing, but also because we have progressed in our collective efforts in the Americas and in Africa, we have created what I call “a set of instruments and legislation”, which requires regional governance mechanisms in order to apply these new forms of supra-national collaboration.
The “Community of Democracies” initiative has proven to be an excellent example of the growing international architecture of collective institutions and nation states working together to enshrine both the principles of democracy and human rights and has underscored the legitimacy of international action to promote them.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the ever evolving dynamics in international diplomacy and the relations between states demand from all of us at all levels a more comprehensive understanding of the changing nature of global politics. In my view, the building of strategic alliances and partnerships between all regions of the world is therefore of significant importance and provides possibly one of the most effective mechanisms for response to the changing global world and to the impact of new initiatives undertaken in the areas of trade, development and finance.
We must recognize that the time has come to strengthen collaboration among regional organizations as well. I am convinced that this is more relevant today than ever before, given the context of a more structured approach in the United Nations System and the consultations organized by the Secretary General of the UN with heads of regional organizations in the last several years.
This historic meeting between the the OAS and the AU and should constitute the first of several, not only between the Organization of American States and the African Union and, but also between CARICOM, as well as other regional organizations, like the Central American Integration System, the Andean Community and the AU.
I strongly believe that for democratic values and principles to take root in our societies, we need to empower the youth while we protect the children. Education should therefore become a critical element of any policy geared to enabling our peoples to live up to their full potential. If we prepare the next generation, a solid foundation for peace, security and well-being will be laid, our institutions will be strengthened and our communities will flourish.
One of the most significant outcomes of the 2001 meeting at the OAS with high-level representatives from 16 regional and multilateral organizations from around the world, government officials, academic and civil society experts on the promotion and defense of democracy was a proposal for a action agenda to advance cooperation among regional and multinational organizations.
Over the last two days, we have begun to fulfill that action agenda but in order to pursue and fully implement more enhanced inter-institutional cooperation, closer coordination and improved communication will be critical in the coming years.
It is clear from the recent discussions that most, if not all of us, agree that a combination of good governance, accountability, rule of law, sound economic policies, a strong, transparent and professional public service and an engaged citizenry constitute the foundation for democratic strengthening and consolidation of economic growth.
It is also important to continue to ensure full respect for fundamental rights and freedoms; incorporate greater emphasis on peace and stability into the democratic paradigm; cultivate real partnerships between the public and private sectors, and between government and civil society; as well as with communities of distinct ethnic, social and economic backgrounds.
I believe that establishing democratic partnerships on the basis of equality, mutual respect, tolerance and solidarity is as important as establishing economic partnerships based on the same principles.
Member states of both organizations should consider whether the time has not come to consider the convening of a meeting of both regions at the highest political level - - that is an Americas-Africa Summit, to be able to translate these noble objectives and intentions into real action to the benefit of both regions in the areas of trade, economy, security, health, and other areas.
An Africa-Americas Summit could provide a valuable platform from which to build this democratic partnership between our regions; with a targeted, realistic and executable action agenda.
To be able to achieve our discussed objectives and initiatives, we need the full commitment of all actors in society, especially from the political leadership to create the most optimal environment in society to build consensus, mitigate conflict and facilitate wealth creation. It is in this climate that democracy can flourish and be strengthened and deepened, beyond the formalistic legal and institutional frameworks.
In this regard, I applaud the Ambassador of Mali on his announcement of the decision to focus the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the Communities of Democracy on the topic of democracy and development. The time has come to call upon ourselves as representatives of the international community to simultaneously address political and developmental priorities, as mutually reinforcing priorities in our societies.
Finally, we should be mindful that for democracy to be truly meaningful, the fruits of democracy must also nurture and feed the social and economic well being of our citizens. Expectations in both Africa and the Americas are high. Let us therefore not fail those in dire need, those hundreds of millions who are in search of a better future for themselves and their children. We have here a challenge and an opportunity. We have the responsibility to rise to both.
Thank you.
