April 1st, 2015 -- The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, delivered a presentation on Monday at Princeton University titled “Collective Challenges in the Americas,” in which he discussed the achievements made by the countries of the Americas, as well as the challenges that remain.
“If there is one truth that we have learned about Latin America it is that our political and economic development has never followed a straight line. Rather, it has been full of surprises, successes, and setbacks,” said the Secretary General.
Among the positive factors in the region, he cited the years of peace between its countries, the current political stability and the abundance of natural resources. At the same time, the OAS leader explained that the region is currently facing low growth rates, dependence on commodity exports, a lack of domestic savings, inequality, crime, weak institutions, and a lack of political consensus.
“All too often in Latin America, in the midst of a legitimate political fray, the idea gains ground that whoever has a majority is entitled to rock the status quo, regardless of the interests, needs, and rights of minorities. In that environment, the bases for reform tend to be precarious and unstable: all the more so in the case of narrow majorities, in rapidly changing scenarios, in which political institutions are in constant flux. In short, such circumstances make it impossible to govern,” said Secretary General Insulza.
Despite the challenges that remain, the leader of the hemispheric Organization said he was optimistic about the future. “Export diversification, improvements in the quality of education, public investment in much-needed infrastructure, improving productive sector competitiveness and debt sustainability, and developing the many energy resources that are sufficient for sustainable development are essential to the region’s long-term growth prospects,” he said.
“Strengthened horizontal cooperation, sharing of best practices, and the adoption of initiatives geared toward improved public policies and institutional capacity building are key for supporting the advancement of national development objectives,” said Secretary General Insulza. “I am optimistic and convinced that all these objectives will be achieved in a not too distant future,” he concluded.
For more information, please visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
