Home Highlights 2025 ParlAmericas participates at the 55th OAS General Assembly

ParlAmericas participates at the 55th OAS General Assembly

June 27, 2025 | Activity

Photo Credit: Juan Manuel Herrera/OAS

Across the Americas and the Caribbean, calls for solidarity grow louder in the face of rising inequality, democratic strain, and urgent human needs—from the mental health crisis to the situation in Haiti. In these moments, the value of inclusive, multilateral cooperation becomes undeniable. It was in this spirit that ParlAmericas participated in the 55th General Assembly of the OAS, held in St. John’s Antigua and Barbuda from June 25-27, 2025. ParlAmericas stands committed to engaging with partners to strengthen legislative contributions to regional solutions and support national action of the commitments adopted by the OAS Member States.

In line with these sentiments, newly elected OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin, emphasized in his inaugural speech at this 55th General Assembly the importance of bolstering collaboration with parliamentary forums, an affirmation echoed in a productive bilateral meeting with ParlAmericas’ delegation, Senator the Honourable Alincia Williams Grant, President of the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Osbert Frederick, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Antigua and Barbuda, and Alisha Todd, Director General of ParlAmericas. This commitment sets the stage for a closer working relationship and a more integrated role for legislatures in advancing the Inter-American agenda.

ParlAmericas also reaffirmed its longstanding support for the Summit of the Americas process, notably through attendance at the Summit Implementation Review Group (SIRG) meeting for the upcoming Tenth Summit of the Americas, held within the framework of the General Assembly.

On the sidelines of the Assembly, ParlAmericas held bilateral meetings with member states and inter-American bodies, including Canada and other key partners, to strengthen collaboration and discuss joint initiatives aligned with shared priorities. ParlAmericas also participated in a roundtable coordinated by the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM), that convened women’s rights organizations from Latin America with representatives from Member States and Permanent Observers.

Health and human security figured prominently in the General Assembly. ParlAmericas welcomed the special session and resolution on mental health, recognizing the critical need to expand multisectoral approaches that promote well-being in our societies. Additionally, discussions on the situation in Haiti underscored the urgency of coordinated responses to democratic and humanitarian crises. ParlAmericas acknowledged the resolution adopted and expresses support for constructive legislative engagement to address the challenges ahead.

These interactions and outcomes reflect a shared vision of the OAS as a dynamic forum for regional cooperation, where parliamentary perspectives contribute meaningfully to multilateral efforts. ParlAmericas remains committed to further strengthening this collaboration and ensuring that the voices of parliaments are present and impactful in the inter-American system.

Photo Credit: Juan Manuel Herrera/OAS