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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. If you would like to schedule a tour and briefing of the OAS, please complete the form below and return to the Department of External Relations. For more information on OAS briefings, please contact Irene Klinger, Director, Department of External Relations at (202) 458-6072 or iklinger@oas.org

Tour and Briefing Request Form
Tour Information


List of Briefings

January-February 2008 | November-December 2007 | September-October 2007 | July-August 2007 | June 2007 | May 2007  | April 2007 | March 2007 | February 2007 | January 2007 | 2006

 


   

JUNE 19, 2008



 

On June 19, 104 Summer OAS Interns enjoyed a tour of the OAS headquarters headed by Aline Hommes, Specialist, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs. Irene Klinger, Director of International Affairs, gave an overview of the OAS. Beverly Wharton-Lake, Director, Columbus Memorial Library and Stella Villagran, Head Librarian, gave a brief overview of the Columbus Library and the resources that the library offers. Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas, welcomed the interns to the Museum of the Americas.

 


JUNE 18, 2008




 

On June 18, 15 University Faculty members of distinct Latin American Universities, sponsored by George Mason University enjoyed a tour of the OAS headquarters headed by Aline Hommes, Specialist, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs. Jane Thery, Head, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs presented an overview of the OAS. Jorge Baxter, Specialist, Department of Education and Culture, gave a presentation on the functions, objectives, and initiatives of his department and Adriana Cepeda, Consultant, spoke on Conflict and Resolution on behalf of the Department of Culture and Education

 


JUNE 17, 2008



 

On June 17, 15 Members of the Foggy Bottom Association enjoyed a tour of the OAS headquarters headed by Aline Hommes, Specialist, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs. Jane Thery, Head, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs presented an overview of the OAS. Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas guided the visitors on a tour of the Museum of the Americas.

 


JUNE 17, 2008



 

On June 17, 22 Latin American Professionals from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) enjoyed a tour of the OAS headquarters and the Museum of the Americas headed by Aline Hommes, Specialist, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs. Jane Thery, Head, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs presented an overview of the OAS.

 


JUNE 13, 2008



 

On June 13, 12 law students from the Universidad Tecnológica de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey participating in an Exchange program at Georgetown University Law Center enjoyed a tour of the OAS headquarters headed by Aline Hommes, Specialist, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs. Jane Thery, Head, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs presented an overview of the OAS. Hector Ortega, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the OAS, gave a description of the functions and objectives of the Mexican mission to the OAS. Nelly Robinson, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, presented on the Model Organization of American States (MOAS).

 


JUNE 11, 2008



 

On June 11, 18 city managers from Porto Alegre, Brazil attending a Seminar at George Washington University, participated in a guided tour of the OAS Headquarters headed by Aline Hommes, Specialist, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs. Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, presented a detailed overview of the OAS.  Ambassador Addor-Neto, Executive Secretary, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, gave a presentation of Multidimensional Security in the hemisphere. Richard Huber, Chief, Biodiversity and Sustainable Forest Management, Department of Sustainable Development, briefed the group on Sustainable Development in the region. Ambassador Osmar Chohfi, Permanent Representative of Brazil to the OAS, offered a holistic presentation on Brazilian Security and Economic issues.

 


MAY 20, 2008


 

On May 20, 10 graduate students enrolled in an International Relations course with Ambassador Donald Planty at the Maxwell School, Syracuse University, visited the OAS. The group received a tour of the historic main building with Aline Hommes, Specialist, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. Ambassador Alfonso Quiñonez, Executive Secretary, Executive Secretariat for Integral Development, gave the students an overview of the Organization.

 


MAY 5, 2008


 

On May 5, 15 undergraduates from the Washington Semester Program at American University visited the historic headquarters of the OAS.  The students toured the historic building with Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations.  Jane Thery, OAS-USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, presented an overview of the Organization

 


MAY 2, 2008


 

On May 2, 27 Foreign Service Officers from the Foreign Service Institute visited the historic OAS headquarters.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building.  Jane Thery, OAS – USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave an overview of the Organization that lead to a lively and informative question-and-answer session.

 


MAY 1, 2008


 

On May 1, 30 Latin American Leaders of the American Jewish Committee visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations gave them a tour of the historic main building.  Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations welcomed the group and introduced them to the Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, who gave them an overview on the organization and spoke about the challenges that the Organization faces in promoting democracy, justice, human rights and protection and security to the people of the Americas.

 


MAY 1, 2008

 


 

On May 1, 35 military students from the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) visited the OAS.  They began with a tour of the historic building led by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations.  Jane Thery, OAS-USA, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, welcomed the group and gave them an overview of the OAS.  Karen Bozicovich, Specialist, Department of Sustainable Democracy and Special Missions, Secretariat for Political Affairs, gave a briefing on behalf of the Department for Political Affairs. Debora Benchoam, Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, spoke on the importance of human rights in relation to officials in the military services. Abraham Stein, Director, Department of the Coordination of Policies and Programs, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, discussed security issues of the hemisphere.

 


APRIL 23, 2008

 

 

On April 23, 28 military officers from the Mexican Naval War College spent the afternoon at OAS headquarters.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building.  Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, welcomed the officers and gave them an overview of the Organization.  Dante Caputo, Secretary, Secretariat for Political Affairs, spoke on the importance of democracy for the Hemisphere. Mario Lopez, Senior Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, discussed human rights in the Americas.  Ambassador Alexandra Addor-Neto, Secretary, Secretary for Multidimensional Security, continued with a briefing on multidimensional security.  Minister Luis Javier Campuzano Piña, Alternate Representative, Permanent Mission of Mexico to the OAS, provided closing remarks for the officers.

 


APRIL 23, 2008


 

On April 23, 14 high school students from the Holton-Arms School visited the historic OAS headquarters.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building and an overview of the OAS.  Nelly Robinson, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, discussed the Model OAS with the students and invited their school to participate.  The visit ended with a tour of the Art Museum of the Americas led by Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas.

 


APRIL 21, 2008

 


 

On April 21, 40 military officers from the Colombian War College spent the afternoon at the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building.  Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, welcomed the officers and gave them an overview of the Organization.  Katherine McAleer, Specialist, Department of Sustainable Democracy and Special Missions, Secretariat for Political Affairs, spoke on democracy.  Dr. Veronica Gomez, Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, stressed the importance of human rights at the OAS.  Ambassador Alexandre Addor-Neto, Secretary, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, discussed multidimensional security with the officers.  Ambassador Camilo Ospina, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the OAS, provided closing remarks for the group.

 


APRIL 18, 2008


 

On April 18, 8 interns from the Pan American Health Organization visited the historic OAS headquarters.  Aline Homes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building.  Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, presented the interns with an overview of the Organization.  The visitors finalized their visit with a tour of the Art Museum of the Americas led by Maria Leyva, Curator, Art Museum of the Americas.

 


APRIL 16, 2008


 

On April 16, 14 upperclassmen from the John Glen School of Public Affairs at Ohio State University visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, led a tour of the historic building.  Sherry Stephenson, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, presented an overview of the OAS. 

 


APRIL 15, 2008


 

On April 15, 13 students from the University of Chile visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building.  Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, presented an overview of the OAS.  Pablo Zuñiga, Senior Specialist, Department of State Modernization and Good Governance, Secretariat for Political Affairs; discussed democracy and democratic values.  Their visit ended with a tour of the Art Museum of the Americas led by Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas.

 


APRIL 14, 2008


 

On April 14, 30 high school students from Bolivia, Venezuela and Nicaragua participating in the Ambassador’s Program Partners of the Americas visited the historic OAS headquarters. Their visit began with a tour of the historic building led by Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. Sherry Stephenson, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, presented an overview of the Organization.  Pablo Zuñiga, Senior Specialist, Department of State Modernization and Good Governance, Secretariat for Political Affairs, led an interactive and lively discussion on democracy and democratic values with the students. Nelly Robinson, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, discussed the Model OAS and invited all the students to participate.

 


APRIL 11, 2008


 

On April 11, 30 graduate and undergraduate students from Morgan State University visited the OAS. The students toured the historic building with Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations.  Jane Thery, OAS – USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave an overview of the Organization.  Jean Ricot Dormeus, Advisor, Executive Office of the Assistant Secretary General and Nadine Khoury, Intern for the ASG discussed Haiti with the students. The students ended their visit with a tour of the Art Museum of the Americas led by Adriana Ospina, Docent, Art Museum of the Americas.

 


APRIL 11, 2008


 

On April 11, the Chief of the National Defense Armed Forces of Guatemala and 4 members of the Guatemalan military visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building.  Jane Thery, OAS – USA Relations, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, welcomed the Officers and presented an overview of the Organization.

 


APRIL 10, 2008


 

On April 10, 11 Model OAS participants from Hadley-Luzerne High School visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building and an overview of the Organization.  Nelly Robinson, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, spoke with the students about their planned participation in the Model OAS.

 


APRIL 8, 2008

 


 

On April 8, 20 officers from the Canadian Forces College spent the morning at the historic OAS headquarters.  The officers toured the historic building with Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations. Irene Klinger, Director, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, presented an overview of the Organization.  Maria Fernanda Trigo, Senior Specialist, Department of Sustainable Democracy and Special Missions, Secretariat for Democratic Affairs spoke on democracy in the Western Hemisphere.  Mario Lopez, Senior Human Rights Specialist, Secretariat for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, discussed the importance of human rights at the OAS. Abraham Stein, Director, Department of Coordination of Politics and Programs of Multidimensional Security, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, continued with a briefing on Hemispheric Security. Admiral Elis Öberg, Chairman, Inter-American Defense Board, addressed the officers.  Ambassador Graeme Clarke, Permanent Representative of Canada to the OAS, provided closing remarks for the group.

 


APRIL 4, 2008


 

On April 4, 13 cadets from the United States Military Academy visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relation gave a tour of the historic building.  Jane Thery, Principal Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, provided an overview of the Organization for the cadets.  Cristobal Dupouy, Ph.D., Specialist, Summits of the Americas Secretariat, discussed in detail the Summits of the Americas process.

 


APRIL 3, 2008

 


 

On April 3, 60 officers from the War College of Mexico spent the morning at the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat of External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building.  Jane Thery, Principal Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat of External Relations, welcomed the officers and gave them an overview of the Organization.  Maria Fernanda Trigo, Specialist, Department of Sustainable Democracy and Special Missions, Secretariat for Political Affairs, discussed democracy with the officers.  Maris Claudia Pulido, Principle Specialist, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, spoke on the importance of human rights in the hemisphere.  Abraham Stein, Director, Department for the Coordination of Policies and Programs, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, continued with a briefing on multidimensional security.  Luis Javier Campuzano Piña, Interim Representative of Mexico to the OAS offered closing remarks for the officers.

 


APRIL 1, 2008


 

On April 1, Ambassador Michael I. King, Permanent Representative from Barbados was the invited Guest Speaker for 260 international high school students with Presidential Classroom in the Hall of the Americas at the Organization of American States.  Ambassador King spoke about the importance of Youth and Democratic Values, the theme of the 38th upcoming General Assembly of the OAS that will be held in Medellin, Colombia on June 1-3, 2008.  

 


MARCH 31, 2008


 

On March 31, 26 high school students from Presidential Classroom visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building and an overview of the Organization.  Pablo Zuñiga, Senior Specialist, Department of State Modernization and Good Governance, Secretariat of Political Affairs, discussed democracy and democratic values with the students.

 



MARCH 28, 2008



 

On March 28, 30 MOAS participants from Kenwood and Lake George High Schools visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, gave a tour of the historic building and presented an overview of the Organization.  Nelly Robinson, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, met with the students and discussed their planned participation of the high school MOAS in the fall. 


MARCH 27, 2008


 

On March 27, 50 international high school students from the Rotary District 7430 Youth Exchange visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, Secretariat for External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building and presented an overview of the Organization.  Nelly Robinson, Specialist, Department of International Affairs, discussed the MOAS and invited the students to participate.


MARCH 24, 2008



 

On March 24, The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars requested a visit to the OAS for 54 young professionals from Mexico who are taking part in a governor’s program sponsored by the Federal Government of Mexico. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building and an overview on the Organization. Rosa Maria Barreiro, Director, Department of Human Resources, gave an informative presentation on Communication and Negotiations. 


MARCH 20, 2008



 

On March 20, 14 high school students from St. Paul’s Methodist College in the Bahamas visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building.  Jane Thery, Chief, Institutional Relations, Department of External Relations, presented an overview of the organization.  Nelly Robinson, Specialist, Department of External Relations, discussed the MOAS and invited the students to participate. 


MARCH 19, 2008

 


 

On March 19, 20 senior diplomats from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spent a morning at the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building.  Suzanne Laporte, Secretary, Secretariat for External Relations, welcomed the group.  Irene Klinger, Director, Department of External Relations, presented an overview of the Organization.  Victor Rico, Director, Department of Sustainable Development and Special Missions, Secretariat for Political Affairs, discussed democracy and the resolution of the Special Session of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, adopted the night before by the Member States. Denneth Modeste, Senior Advisor, Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, and Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Director, Department of Public Security, spoke about the three areas of multidimensional security. Ambassador Paul Durand, Director, OAS Office, Dominican Republic, wrapped up the session with the Canadian diplomats. 
 


MARCH 19, 2008


 

On March 19, 10 students involved in the Model OAS (MOAS) for Towson University visited the OAS. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building.  Steven Griner, Senior Specialist, Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation, Secretariat of Political Affairs, presented an overview of the OAS.  Nelly Robinson, Specialist, Department of External Relations, spoke to the students about the MOAS.

 


MARCH 10, 2008



 

 

On March 10, a Colombian student and an Estonian student, from the Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) visited the OAS with their American host family. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of External Relations, gave them a tour of the Historic Building and information on the OAS.

 


MARCH 7, 2008


 

On March 7, 15 diplomats from the Foreign Service Institute visited the OAS. Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of External Relations, gave a tour of the OAS Historic Building.  Jane Thery, Chief, Institutional Relations, Department of External Relations, gave an overview of the OAS and hemispheric issues.


MARCH 5, 2008


 

On March 5, 9 participants from the Foreign Visitors Program at the United States Department of Agriculture visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building.  Jane Thery, Chief, Institutional Relations, Department of External Relations, presented an overview of the OAS. Rafael Franzini, Assistant Executive Secretary, Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, discussed multidimensional security and drug issues.  Fernando Garcia, Coordinator, Anti-Trafficking of Persons Section, spoke on human trafficking.


MARCH 4, 2008


 

On March 4, 11 students from La Fundación Universitaria del Río de la Plata (FURP) through the Academy of Educational Development visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of External Relations, gave a tour of the historic building.  Irene Klinger, Director, Department of External Relations, presented an overview of the OAS. Yeruti Mendez, Program Manager, discussed the Young Americas Business Trust.


MARCH 3, 2008


 

On March 3, 18 students from the Washington College of Law at American University visited the OAS.  Aline Hommes, Specialist, Department of External Relations, gave a tour of the OAS Historic Building.  Sherry Stephenson, Institutional Relations, Department of External Relations, presented an overview of the OAS.  John M. Wilson, Legal Advisor, Office of International Law, Department of International Legal Affairs, discussed legal and migrant issues. 



 

 


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