OEA - CP- Resolución CIDI INF 712

INTER-AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR INTEGRAL DEVELOPMENT

OEA/Ser.W CIDI/INF.712/26 7 May 2026

Original: English

REMARKS BY SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERCAN STATES, ALBERT R. RAMDIN ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF SEDI,

AMBASSADOR ISABELLE VALOIS

(Delivered during the Special Meeting of CIDI held on May 6, 2026)REMARKS BY OAS SECRETARY GENERAL, ALBERT R. RAMDIN:

APPOINTMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF SEDI

CIDI SPECIAL MEETING

(May 6, 2026 | Bolívar Room)

Mr. Chair., Ambassadors, Distinguished Representatives,

Today’s Special Session of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development has been convened to address an important matter for the future of our Organization’s development pillar. We are guided by two fundamental goals: peace and prosperity. In today’s context of global uncertainty , marked by economic volatility, technological transformation, and evolving development challenges, these goals require not only strong vision, but strong leadership.

CIDI, as the motor behind the development pillar of our Organization, plays a central role in advancing that prosperity agenda . It is through this body that we can translate dialogue into action, and cooperation into tangible results for the peoples of the Americas. Investing in this pillar is, therefore, not simply an institutional priority, it is a strategic necessity. It is in this spirit that, pursuant to Article 117 and 120 of the OAS Charter, I have the honor to present to this Council my appointment of Ambassador Isabelle Valois of Canada as Executive Secretary for Integral Development.

Ambassador Valois brings more than three decades of distinguished experience

to Article 117 and 120 of the OAS Charter, I have the honor to present to this Council my appointment of Ambassador Isabelle Valois of Canada as Executive Secretary for Integral Development.

Ambassador Valois brings more than three decades of distinguished experience in international development and diplomacy, with a proven record acrossPage 2 of 3

bilateral and multilateral contexts. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership in strategic policy development, the management of large and complex cooperation portfolios, donor coordination, and high -level political engagement.

Her career spans regions as diverse as North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Americas. She has overseen major international cooperation initiatives, guided partnerships with governments, civil society, and multilateral actors, and managed complex teams and budgets with rigor and accountability. Her ability to operate effectively at both the political and operational levels, bridging highlevel dialogue with program delivery , is precisely what this position demands. This depth and breadth of exp erience make her especially qualified to lead the Executive Secretariat for Integral Development at this critical juncture, as our Member States call for greater impact, stronger coordination, and more agile and tailored support.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to former Executive Secretary Kim Osborne. I am also grateful to Barbara Kotschwar for ensuring a seamless transition under her leadership.

I am confident that, under Ambassador Valois’ leadership, SEDI will continue to strengthen its role as a platform where multilateralism delivers results, where partnerships are deepened, and where our shared commitment to integral development advances the broader goals of peace and prosperity across thePage 3 of 3

Hemisphere. I therefore submit this appointment to the Inter-American Council for Integral Development for its consideration and approval.

I thank you.