Briefings and Tours

OAS briefings are offered to diplomats, government officials, military officers, university faculty, policy analysts and students, as well as to the general public. The briefings are given by the Director of the Department of External Relations, Irene Klinger, and senior specialists from the various departments of the organization. Briefings are tailored to the specific interests of the visiting groups, covering political, social, legal and economic issues in the Americas as well as the work of the organization. These briefings include tours of the facilities and an historical overview of the organization. For more information on OAS briefings, please contact Irene Klinger, Director, Department of External Relations at (202) 458-6072 or iklinger@oas.org

Tour Information

List of Briefings - July-September 2008

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SEPTEMBER 25, 2008	On September 25, 9 future diplomats with the Academy for Educational Development from Colombia, Peru and Venezuela participating in a program entitled “Competitiveness in the Global Marketplace” visited the OAS.  The representatives were given a tour of the historic OAS building by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs. They received an overview on the Organization by Jane Thery, Head, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2008	On September 24, 26 undergraduate students from American University visited the OAS for a tour and briefing. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, led the group through the historic OAS building.  Nelly Robinson, Coordinator of MOAS, Department of International Affairs, gave the group a presentation on the Model OAS. Jorge Sanin, Head, Relations with the Permanent Observers and Civil Society presented an overview on the Organization. To conclude the visit, the students met with Adriana Ospina, Docent, OAS Museum of the Americas and observed the featured works by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2008	On September 17, 23 military students enrolled at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation representing Colombia, Peru, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Paraguay visited the OAS for a tour of the historic building and a briefing from OAS representatives.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, led the group through the Historic OAS Building before convening with a briefing by  Jane Thery, Head, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, who gave the group an overview of the OAS, which was followed by a discussion on Human Rights issues led by Daniela Salazar, Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The briefing concluded with remarks made by Ambassador Alexandre Addor-Neto, Secretary, Secretariat on Multidimensional Security, on security concerns for the region.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2008	On September 16, 15 university undergraduates from the Instituto Tecnólogico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey received a tour of the OAS historic building from Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs.  The tour was followed by an overview of the OAS by Jane Thery, Head, OAS-USA Relations, Secretariat for External Relations. The briefing and tour finalized with comments from Nelly Robinson, Coordinator of the Model OAS, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2008	On September 15, 20 military officers from the Escuela Superior de Guerra de Colombia were received by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, and taken on a tour of the OAS historic building.  The Director of the Department of International Affairs, Irene Klinger, briefed the group on the OAS.  Ambassador Alexandre Addor-Neto, Secretary, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, spoke of the security issues challenging the region.  The group was briefed on human rights issues by Verónica Gomez, Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.  The tour and briefing concluded with final comments made by H.E. Camilo Ospina, Colombian Ambassador to the OAS.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2008	On September 11, 2008, on the seventh anniversary of both the signing of the Inter-American Democratic Charter and the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, 27 undergraduates studying international business and trade from American University attended a tour of the OAS historic building, led by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs.  Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations gave an overview of the Organization. The tour and briefing concluded with a visit to the Art Museum of the Americas, where the group met with Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2008	On September 10, Aline Hommes, Specialist, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, gave a tour of the OAS historic building to government and NGO's visitors from Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela with the Academy for Educational Development.  Jorge Sanin, Head, Relations with Permanent Observers and Civil Society, Department of International Affairs, gave the visitors an overview of the OAS.  Rafael Franzini, Assistant Executive Secretary, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, discussed salient issues in multidimensional security of importance to the Western Hemisphere.  Luis Alfonso, Specialist, Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, led a discussion on drug demand reduction.
AUGUST 29, 2008	On August 29th OAS briefings were held at the IADC headquarters. The morning session began with a presentation on Natural Disasters and Risk Management by Pablo Gonzalez, Chief, Natural Hazard and Risk Reduction, Department of Sustainable Development and the Environment. Mark Lambrides, Chief, Climate Adaption, Natural Disasters, Sustainable Energy and Small Island States, Department of Sustainable Development and the Environment, spoke about sustainable energy issues. Mercedes Kremenetzky, Senior Specialist, Executive Secretariat, Inter-American Commission of Women, gave a presentation on gender issues and conflict resolution and Marta Beltran, Specialist; Inter-American Commission of Women gave a presentation on Women, Peace and Security. After the presentations, the members of 48th Class of the IADC divided into three groups to discuss the topics in-depth. To conclude the three day briefing series, Laura Martinez, Juridical Officer, Department of Legal Cooperation, spoke about anti-corruption and transparency efforts undertaken by the OAS in the Hemisphere.
AUGUST 28, 2008	On August 28th OAS briefings were held at the IADC headquarters, Fort Lesley McNair. Ambassador Addor-Neto, Secretary, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, in conjunction with Carol Fuller, Secretary, Inter-American Commission against Terrorism (CICTE), gave a presentation on the current security challenges in the hemisphere with a particular focus on terrorism and the increasing threat of terrorist activities. Jim Mack, Executive Secretary, Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) spoke about the evolution of drug trafficking in the hemisphere and the efforts of CICAD. Dr. Cristian Taboada, Specialist, Department of Public Security, spoke about the increase in organized crime and gang violence in the hemisphere. After the presentations, the members of the 48th Class of the IADC divided into three groups for in depth discussions on the topics presented by each speaker. During the second half of the day Fernando Garcia-Robles, Coordinator, Anti-Trafficking of persons, Department of Public Security, gave an informative presentation on human trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. Carlos Calderon, Consultant, Humanitarian Demining Program, Department of Public Security, gave a detailed presentation on the mined zones in the hemisphere and the efforts of the OAS to clean mined fields. After the presentations, the members divided into two groups for a question and answer session.
AUGUST 27, 2008	From August 27th - August 29th the 48th Class of the Inter-American College (IADC) participated in a three day briefing series with OAS officials. Before the initial briefing Aline Hommes, Specialist, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, led the members of the class on a tour of the OAS historic building. After the tour, the visitors were welcomed by Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, who offered an extensive overview about the mission and functions of the OAS. Pablo Zuñiga, Director, Department of State Modernization and Good Governance, gave a presentation on strengthening democracy in the Hemisphere. Francisco Pilotti, Director, Department of Social Development and Employment, spoke about the work of the OAS in matters of integral development. Ambassador Addor-Neto, Secretary, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, presented the challenges of Multidimensional Security in the Hemisphere, including the integration of the Inter-American Defense Board into the OAS. Mario Lopez, Senior Human Rights Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, addressed the human rights challenges in the Hemisphere and emphasized the work of the OAS to protect and promote human rights. Ambassador Camilo Ospina, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the OAS, gave closing remarks on the security challenges threatening the region, with a focus on the internal conflict of Colombia in the fight against the guerillas and drug trafficking.
AUGUST 12, 2008	On August 12, 18 members of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Cooperation representing Colombia, Canada, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama visited the OAS historic building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, welcomed the group and gave a tour of the building. Jorge Sanin, Head, Relations with Permanent Observers and Civil Society, Department of International Affairs, gave an overview of the OAS. Rafael Franzini, Assistant Executive Secretary, Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, spoke about “Multidimensional Security.” Pablo Zuñiga, Director, Department of State Modernization and Good Governance, Secretariat for Political Affairs, gave a presentation about the strengthening of democracy.
AUGUST 7, 2008	On August 7, 23 members of the “Instituto Nacional de Guerra de Ecuador” visited OAS Headquarters. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, welcomed the group and gave a tour of the Main Building. Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, presented an overview of the OAS.  Rafael Franzini, Assistant Executive Secretary, Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, spoke about “Multidimensional Security.” Pablo Zuñiga, Director, Department of State Modernization and Good Governance, gave a presentation about the strengthening of democracy. Isabel Madariaga, Specialist, Coordinator for Central America and the Caribbean, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, gave an overview of the work of the OAS in the protection of human rights. Ambassador Efrén A. Cocios and Agustín Ignacio Fornell, Counselor, Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the OAS, spoke about the functions of the Ecuadorian Mission as a Permanent Member of the OAS.
AUGUST 6, 2008	On August 6, 25 undergraduate students in political science from the University of Maryland toured the OAS historic building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, headed the tour. Sherry Stephenson, Head, Institutional Relations, Department of International Affairs, gave an overview of the OAS. Nelly Robinson, Coordinator MOAS Program, Department of International Affairs, gave a presentation on the Model OAS and encouraged the students to participate in the MOAS.
JULY 29, 2008	On July 29, 21 Members of the Armed Forces of the Dominican Republic visited the OAS historic building.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, welcomed the group to the OAS. Jane Thery, Head, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, briefed the group on the OAS. Christopher Hernández-Roy, Director, Department of Public Security, spoke about Multidimensional Security and the efforts of the OAS to strengthen security in the Hemisphere. Karen Bozicovich, Coordinator of the Unit of Diagnostic and Prospective, Department of Sustainable Democracy and Special Missions, spoke about the efforts of the OAS to strengthen democracy and governance in the region. Daniela Salazar, Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, gave a presentation on the work of the OAS to protect the human rights.
JULY 24, 2008	On July 24, 20 Brazilian students visited the OAS historic building.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, led the group in a tour of the building. Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, presented an overview of the OAS.  Alice Soares, Consultant, Department of International Affairs, spoke about the Model OAS (MOAS) and encouraged the interns to participate in the MOAS. Mrs. Márcia Maro Da Silva, Counselor, Permanent Mission of Brazil, spoke about the role and functions of the Brazilian Mission to the OAS.
JULY 23, 2008	On July 23, The OAS hosted the “Democracy and Women’s Leadership in the Americas” conference. 65 Female professionals from the Washington, D.C. area participated in the event. Patricia Ellis, President, Women’s Foreign Policy Group and Irene Klinger, Director, OAS Department of International Affairs, welcomed the participants. The keynote speaker of the event was the OAS Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza. The Secretary General spoke about the role of the OAS in protecting human rights, reducing poverty, strengthening multidimensional security and promoting democracy and governance in the Western Hemisphere. Mrs. Klinger gave a detailed briefing about the OAS. The Ambassadors of Missions of Peru, Maria Zavala Valladares, Trinidad and Tobago, Glenda Morean Phillip and Uruguay, Maria del Lujan Flores spoke about the role of women in diplomacy and foreign policy. Carmen Lomellin, Executive Secretary, Inter-American Commission of Women moderated the panel discussion. The event concluded with the closing remarks of Suzanne Laporte, Secretary, OAS Secretariat for External Relations. After the conference, Aline Hommes, Specialist, OAS Department of International Affairs, led the participants in a tour of the OAS historic building and the Museum of the Americas.
JULY 21, 2008	On July 21, 48 Students from the Presidential Classroom enjoyed a tour of the OAS historic Building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, headed the tour and gave a presentation about the protection of human rights and the work of the OAS to preserve the basic rights of the peoples of the Americas. Yadira Soto, Advisor, Office of the Assistant Secretary General, gave an overview of the OAS with emphasis on Multidimensional Security and Sustainable Development in the Hemisphere.
JULY 21, 2008	On July 21, 10 Students from the Colegio Villa Maria, Santiago, Chile visited the OAS historic building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, led the students in a tour of the historic building. Jose Miguel Insulza, OAS Secretary General, and Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, welcomed the students.
JULY 18, 2008	On July 18, 35 Students from the Universidad Pontifica Comillas, Madrid, Spain, participating in a summer program in Georgetown University, visited the OAS main building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, led the tour. Jorge Sanin, Head, Permanent Observers and Civil Society, Department of International Affairs, briefed the group on the OAS and its role in the Hemisphere. Enrique Martinez, Legal Officer, Office of Legal Cooperation spoke about international law and legal affairs in the Hemisphere. Ambassador Juan Romero de Terreros, Permanent Observer Mission of Spain to the OAS, greeted the students and gave an overview of the role of Spain as a permanent observer.
JULY 17, 2008	On July 17, 190 United States high school students participating in the Lead America program enjoyed a tour of the OAS historic building and the Museum of the Americas.
JULY 15, 2008	On July 15, 45 Students participating in the Maryland Leadership Institute in the University of Maryland toured the OAS historic building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, headed the tour. Jane Thery, Head, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, gave an overview of the OAS. Anexa Alfred, Human Rights Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, spoke about the human rights of indigenous groups in the Americas and the efforts of the OAS to preserve the rights of these individuals. Luis Toro, Senior Legal Officer, Department of International Law, presented on the legal work undertaken by the OAS to protect of citizens. Jorge Baxter, Education Specialist, Department of Education and Culture, spoke about the barriers for the development of education and the work of the OAS to increase accessibility to quality education in the Hemisphere.
JULY 14, 2008	On July 14, 16 Interns of the Washington Center for Internships received a tour of the OAS historic building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, headed the tour. Jane Thery, Head, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, offered a detailed overview of the OAS. Mauricio Concha, Consultant, Department of International Affairs, spoke about the Model Organization of American States and encouraged the interns to participate. To conclude their visit, Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas, welcomed the interns to the Museum.
JULY 10, 2008	On July 10, Jane Thery, Head, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, gave a detailed briefing of the OAS to 38 members of the Foreign Service Institute.
JULY 7, 2008	On July 7, 60 members of the Colegio de Altos Estudios Estratégicos de la Republica de El Salvador participated in a tour of the OAS main building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs headed the tour. Jorge Sanin, Head, Permanent Observers and Civil Society, Department of International Affairs, briefed the group on the OAS and its role in the Hemisphere. Raul Alconada, Principal Advisor, Secretariat for Political Affairs, spoke about the strengthening of Democracy in the region. Marisol Blanchard, Specialist, Executive Secretariat of the Inter American Commission on Human Rights, presented on human rights abuses and the OAS efforts to protect human rights in the Americas. Ambassador, Addor-Neto, Secretary, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, spoke about the latest security challenges that are emerging in the region and the new "Multidimensional" approach to strengthen Hemispheric Security. To conclude, Luis Menéndez, Alternate Representative, Permanent Mission of El Salvador to the OAS, offered a brief summary of the functions of the Salvadorian Mission to the OAS.
JULY 1, 2008	On July 1, 28 Members of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) participated in a tour of the historic OAS main building. Aline Hommes, Specialist, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, guided the PAHO members through the OAS main building. Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, gave a comprehensive overview of the OAS. Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas, welcomed the students to the Museum of the Americas.