OEA - CP - Resolución CP INF 10896

OAS/Ser.G CP/INF.10896/26 30 March 2026

Original: Spanish NOTE FROM THE PERMANENT MISSION OF ECUADOR, IN ITS CAPACITY AS SECRETARIAT OF THE Ñ CIRCLE OF FRIENDSHIP OF THE SPANISH LANGUAGE, REQUESTING THE INCLUSION OF THE ITEM “CELEBRATION OF SPANISH LANGUAGE WEEK AT THE OAS” ON THE ORDER OF BUSINESS A REGULAR MEETING OF THE

PERMANENT COUNCIL IN APRIL 2026

(Concept note attached)

PERMANENT COUNCILREPUBLIC OF ECUADOR

PERMANENT MISSION TO THE OAS

Note No. 4-2-72/2026 The Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the Organization of American States (OAS) presents its compliments to the Chair of the Permanent Council of the OAS and, in its capacity as Secretariat of the Ñ Circle of Friendship of the Spanish Language, respectfully requests the inclusion of the item “Celebration of Spanish Language Week at the OAS” on the order of business of a regular meeting of the Permanent Council in the month of April. The Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the OAS notes that this activity is being carried out in accordance with resolution AG/RES. 3046 (LV-O/25) of the General Assembly, which institutionalizes this commemoration in recognition of the value of Spanish as an official language of the Organization and as a fundamental instrument for political dialogue, hemispheric cooperation, and the promotion of cultural diversity in the inter-American system, in accordance with the program of cultural, academic, and diplomatic activities promoted by the Ñ Circle to enhance the visibility and projection of the Spanish language at the OAS, to which end it the respective concept note is enclosed herewith. The Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the Organization of American States avails itself of this

opportunity to convey to the Chair of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States the renewed assurances of its highest consideration. Washington, D.C., March 30, 2026 Chair of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) Washington, D.C.3 CONCEPT NOTE Spanish Language Week at the OAS Ñ Circle of Friendship of the Spanish Language at the Organization of American States

1. Introduction The Ñ Circle of Friendship of the Spanish Language at the Organization of American States (OAS) was established by a declaration adopted in the Permanent Council on June 18, 2024, as a space for cooperation on the promotion, defense, and value enhancement of the Spanish language in the Americas.

Subsequently, through resolution AG/RES. 3046 (LV-O/25), adopted on June 26, 2025, the General Assembly resolved to declare one week in April of each year as “Spanish Language Week at the OAS,” in recognition of April 23, the date on which Spanish Language Day is commemorated at the United Nations. In keeping with that mandate, the organization of the first Spanish Language Week at the OAS is proposed as an institutional, cultural, and diplomatic initiative to raise awareness of the role of Spanish as an official language of the Organization, an instrument of political dialogue, and a vehicle for cultural expression in the inter-American system. The commemoration also seeks to highlight the richness and diversity of the Spanishspeaking world, promote multilingualism, and strengthen the use of Spanish in the substantive work of the Organization, in keeping with the principles of cultural diversity, inclusion, and hemispheric cooperation. Likewise, Spanish Language Week is conceived as an open and participatory initiative in which member states and permanent observers can contribute cultural, academic, and diplomatic activities, in line with the provisions of the above resolution.

2. General

Objective

 To strengthen the visibility, use, and projection of Spanish at the OAS as a language of work, diplomacy, and culture, and to promote its diversity and its contribution to multilateralism. Specific objectives  To promote fulfillment of the mandate set forth in resolution AG/RES. 3046 (LVO/25).  To raise awareness of the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking4 world.  To foster intercultural dialogue and understanding among member states.  To encourage cultural and academic activities that highlight the value of Spanish in the Americas.  To promote the participation of the member states and permanent observers.

3. Institutional framework The initiative is based on the following:  The recognition of Spanish as an official language of the OAS, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly.  The promotion of cultural diversity as a pillar of democratic strengthening in the Hemisphere.  An express mandate from the General Assembly to institutionalize Spanish Language Week.  The role of Ñ Circle as a platform for promoting the Spanish language in the interAmerican system.  Pursuant to operative paragraph 3 of the resolution, the item “Celebration of Spanish Language Week at the OAS” is to be included on the order of business of a regular meeting of the Permanent Council in April.

4. Proposed activities In line with the provisions of the resolution and the initiatives promoted by the Ñ Circle, the following initial program is proposed:  Institutional message from the Secretary General commemorating Spanish Language Day.  Inclusion of the topic in the Permanent Council, by means of a note from the chair of the Ñ Circle, in accordance with the mandate of the General Assembly.  Agenda item at the regular meeting of the Permanent Council to be held on April 22, in which there will be three speakers and reference to the declaration.

The Permanent Observer Mission of Spain suggests the participation of Ms. Mónica Colomer, Director General of Spanish Abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, in the item on Spanish Language Week at the OAS (April 22) to be considered by the Permanent Council.  Virtual discussion on the linguistic diversity of Spanish in Ibero-America, with the participation of representatives of language institutes, academics, and diplomats. The panel will be composed of the Ñ Circle troika, comprising Colombia (outgoing chair), Costa Rica (current chair), and Ecuador (incoming chair). Costa Rica proposes the participation of Jorge Saenz, subject to confirmation.5  Adoption of a declaration by the Ñ Circle, aimed at highlighting the linguistic diversity of Spanish and its value as a tool for cooperation, diplomatic dialogue, and hemispheric understanding.  Production and dissemination of audiovisual material, including a commemorative video for OAS institutional social networks. Coordinated by the Permanent Observer Mission of Spain.  Official reception in commemoration of Spanish Language Day, as a space for diplomatic and cultural engagement. The Permanent Observer Mission of Spain suggests holding the reception to launch Spanish Language Week at the OAS on Monday, April 20, at the Aztec Patio from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Permanent Observer Mission of Spain would cover the costs of the venue and logistics. In keeping with the collaborative spirit of the activity, the other countries belonging to Ñ Circle are encouraged to contribute gastronomic products representative of their respective countries. The reception will be coordinated by the Permanent Observer Mission of Spain.  Spanish-language film series to be held during the month of April, as a continuation of previous initiatives and in line with the resolution’s call to promote cultural activities. Thanks to the efforts of the Permanent Mission of Colombia,

that Mission’s theater has been reserved for the week of April 20 to 24.  The Permanent Observer Mission of Spain would provide the film La lengua de las mariposas, directed by José Luis Cuerda and written by Rafael Azcona, whose birth centenary will be commemorated in 2026. Coordinated by the Permanent Mission of Colombia.  A literary evening dedicated to Federico García Lorca, on the anniversary of his death, highlighting the value of Spanish-language literature as a form of cultural expression. (April 29) Organized by the Permanent Observer Mission of Spain.  Commemorative event in honor of Mario Vargas Llosa, organized by the Permanent Mission of Peru, highlighting the legacy of contemporary Hispanic American literature. (April 17) Organized by the Permanent Mission of Peru. Other cultural and academic activities that may be proposed by member states and permanent observers, including exhibitions in institutional spaces such as the Columbus Memorial Library and the Art Museum of the Americas, among others.