OEA - CP- Resolución CP CG INF 61 tx

PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE OEA/Ser.G

ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES CP/CG/INF.61/26 6 May 2026

GENERAL COMMITTEE Textual

FOLLOW-UP ON IMPLEMENTATION OF RESOLUTION AG/RES. 3036 (LV-O/25)

“ADDRESSING THE CRITICAL MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IN THE AMERICAS”

(Presentation by Minister-Counselor Joy-Dee Davis Lake, Alternate Representative of Antigua and Barbuda, Vice Chair of the Inter-American Working Group on Mental Health, during the meeting of the General Committee held on April 29, 2026)FOLLOW-UP ON IMPLEMENTATION OF RESOLUTION AG/RES. 3036 (LV-O/25)

“ADDRESSING THE CRITICAL MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IN THE AMERICAS”

(Presentation by Minister-Counselor Joy-Dee Davis Lake, Alternate Representative of Antigua and Barbuda, Vice Chair of the Inter-American Working Group on Mental Health, during the meeting of the General Committee held on April 29, 2026)

Madam Chair, Distinguished Representatives, Colleagues,

It is an honor to address this Council in my capacity as Vice -Chair of the Inter -American Working Group on Mental Health.

Building on the remarks delivered by the Chair, I will focus on the progress achieved since the establishment of the Working Group, as well as the priorities that lie ahead as we move toward the next General Assembly.

Madam Chair,

Pursuant to the mandate of resolution AG/RES. 3036 (LV-O/25), the Working Group has been successfully operationalized as an open, inclusive, and Member State-driven mechanism, grounded in cooperation and mutual learning.

To date:

• The Working Group brings together 16 Member States from across the hemisphere, reflecting strong and growing regional engagement;

successfully operationalized as an open, inclusive, and Member State-driven mechanism, grounded in cooperation and mutual learning.

To date:

• The Working Group brings together 16 Member States from across the hemisphere, reflecting strong and growing regional engagement; • Its first meeting was convened, providing an opportunity for Member States to exchange national priorities and identify areas for collaboration; • The leadership was established, with Brazil serving as Chair and Antigua and Barbuda as ViceChair, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing this agenda.

This broad participation underscores a common understanding: that mental health is a shared regional challenge, requiring coordinated, flexible, and context-sensitive responses.

This is particularly evident in the Caribbean, where small island developing states face heightened vulnerabilities, including exposure to natural disasters, climate -related shocks, and limited access to specialized services. These realities place addition al pressure on already constrained systems and reinforce the urgency of strengthening regional cooperation and support mechanisms.

Madam Chair,

In line with the operative provisions of the resolution, the Working Group is advancing three key deliverables.

First, the negotiation of a hemispheric Declaration on mental health.- 2In this regard:

• A draft Declaration was circulated to all Member States on March 30, initiating an inclusive and transparent consultation process; • Several delegations have already submitted written comments, while others have requested additional time, reflecting both strong engagement and the importance of ensuring a thoughtful and constructive negotiation; • The Technical Secretariat, in close coordination with the Pan American Health Organization, is consolidating inputs and the Working Group leadership will present a revised version to support the next stage of discussions.

Second, the development of a Regional Plan of Action, aligned with PAHO’s technical frameworks, to translate commitments into practical, measurable, and evidence-based national action. In line with OAS ministerial practice, we are prioritizing the negotiat ion of the Declaration. Its adoption—expected at the upcoming General Assembly—will define our regional priorities and guide

frameworks, to translate commitments into practical, measurable, and evidence-based national action. In line with OAS ministerial practice, we are prioritizing the negotiat ion of the Declaration. Its adoption—expected at the upcoming General Assembly—will define our regional priorities and guide the development of a focused, results-oriented Plan of Action.

Third, the exploration of sustainable financing mechanisms, including the potential establishment of a regional fund and the strengthening of strategic partnerships. Advancing mental health requires not only sound policy frameworks, but also adequate, effi cient, and sustained investment. We will continue to explore all options within the Working Group, possibly drawing on the model of existing OAS voluntary funds.

In this regard, and consistent with inter -American human rights commitments—particularly with respect to the right to health —the Working Group seeks to support Member States in advancing progressive, realistic, and nationally appropriate pathways for strengthening mental health systems.

Looking ahead,

As we move toward the next General Assembly, the Working Group will focus on:

• Advancing negotiations toward the adoption of the Hemispheric Declaration at this year’s General Assembly; • Further developing the Regional Plan of Action, ensuring it remains practical, adaptable, and responsive to national contexts; • Identifying and structuring financing and cooperation mechanisms to support implementation; and • Continuing to strengthen a regional platform for exchange, peer learning, and technical collaboration.

Madam Chair,

We stand at a decisive moment.

The progress achieved thus far demonstrates that the Americas are moving from commitment to action, with a clear focus on results and impact.- 3The task before us now is to ensure that this momentum delivers concrete outcomes —expanding access to services, reducing disparities, and strengthening the well-being and resilience of our societies.

We therefore urge all Member States to engage actively and constructively in the negotiations ahead, with a view to achieving consensus on a strong, practical, and forward -looking Declaration at the upcoming General Assembly.

access to services, reducing disparities, and strengthening the well-being and resilience of our societies.

We therefore urge all Member States to engage actively and constructively in the negotiations ahead, with a view to achieving consensus on a strong, practical, and forward -looking Declaration at the upcoming General Assembly.

This is an opportunity and a shared responsibility. A responsibility to act with urgency, to bridge gaps between commitment and implementation, and to ensure that mental health is firmly embedded at the center of our collective efforts to advance developme nt, equity, and democratic governance in the Americas.

We look forward to continuing this work in close collaboration with all Member States and partners.

Thank you very much.