OAS Budget Address: A Cheeky Commentary
By The Perfect Storm of Comedy
November 4, 2024
Well, well, well! If it isn’t Ambassador Francisco O. Mora strutting into the spotlight at the 55th Special Session of the OAS General Assembly. And just when you thought your afternoon could be free of bureaucratic banter, here comes Mr. Mora with artful prose about budgets and sustainable paths. Talk about a plot twist nobody asked for!
But let’s be honest—everyone in the room probably knows that budgets are to diplomats what diets are to pastry chefs. They say it’s a long road to get there, but you can see the eye rolls happening faster than you can say “cutting the cake at the annual party!” Seriously, ‘tirelessly’ working on issues is the diplomatic equivalent of saying you had a long evening discussing the intricacies of toast-making. And isn’t toast just… toast? Still, the effort to build consensus is commendable. Thank goodness for that little thing we call ‘teamwork’. Or in less positive environments, ‘handing someone else the blame!’
Oh, and let’s not overlook the real estate chatter! The decision to sell the Casa del Soldado is like deciding which family heirloom to pawn. “Do we keep Aunt Mildred’s knitting or sell it to fund our dreams?” Selling the building isn’t easy—kind of like trying to get a cat into a bath. It seems messy, you question your life choices, and the entire process ultimately leaves you wondering whether that furry creature was plotting against you all along!
Ambassador Mora mentioned the Alvarez & Marsal report like it was a Hollywood blockbuster—“The report that changed everything!” And why not? It’s not every day you find recommendations in a lengthy document that are more riveting than a reality television cliffhanger. “Will they? Won’t they? Should we increase our budget for better drama?”
The U.S. Mission believes in the OAS like a kid believes in Santa Claus when they find an empty cookie plate on Christmas morning. And let’s face it, they have all the reasons to—after all, they’re investing time and funds to keep this ship sailing through the stormy seas of democracy, human rights, and, (drumroll, please) “inter-American legal cooperation.” My parents used to call those “buzzwords,” but what do they know?
In wrapping up his heartfelt homage to bureaucratic dedication, Mora makes it clear that this isn’t just about budgets—oh no! It’s about the sustainability of the organization. That’s like saying your new gym membership is about ‘self-care’—when really, it’s a struggle against doughnuts and self-indulgence. But kudos to him for trying—it’s inspiring! After all, who wouldn’t want to pretend they’re on a noble quest while discussing who gets the wildflower-print curtains next fiscal quarter?
So here’s to hoping, dear readers, that the OAS continues to wade through this glorious political banquet with its heads held high, even if the choice of menu might occasionally make you gag! May their budgets be balanced, their goals well-intentioned, and their coffee consistently strong. Cheers!
Ambassador Francisco O. Mora, U.S Permanent Representative, addresses the 55th Special Session of the OAS General Assembly upon adoption of the 2025 budget outlining the organization’s priorities. (OAS Photo)
Remarks by
Ambassador Francisco O. Mora
November 1, 2024
With this Special General Assembly and the upcoming elections of this organization’s next Secretary General, it is safe to say that we are at a critical moment in the OAS. Our actions today and in the coming weeks will shape the direction and future of this esteemed organization. The commitments we formalize here today, encapsulated within this budget resolution, will pave the way for the OAS to embrace a more sustainable trajectory moving forward.
To say that it was a long road to get here today would be an understatement. Every delegation in this room has worked tirelessly on the myriad of issues handled by CAAP. I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all who have dedicated countless hours to deliberate on proposals, counter-proposals, and the necessary consensus-building that has brought us to this critical juncture. I want to particularly commend Neymour for his exemplary chairmanship and unwavering commitment to the workings of CAAP, as well as to Canada and Colombia for their steadfast service as Vice-Chairs for CAAP and the committee’s working groups. Our appreciation also extends to Ms. Ileana Navarro and the entire OAS secretariat team for their tireless efforts and invaluable contributions throughout this complex process.
Throughout this intricate process, I am sure each of us found ourselves questioning the investment of our time and energy in the budget deliberations, particularly when pressing issues in our hemisphere beckon for our attention. Yet, let us remember that the documents approved today represent more than just a budget. They embody our collective priorities for a promising future and signify the enduring importance and value of the OAS as a cornerstone of cooperation in the Americas.
In that regard, though they are not here in the room with us today, I would like to specifically thank the representatives of the Inter-American Defense Board who engaged with us earlier this week. The resolution we have just approved includes critical language designed to facilitate the sale of the Casa del Soldado, among other assets. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at examining and rationalizing our organization’s real estate holdings. It’s important to underscore that the decision to sell the building that has housed the Inter-American Defense Board for the past 75 years is a significant and complex undertaking. However, as I affirmed a few days ago, my government supports this decision as it aligns with our commitment to empower the work of the Inter-American Defense Board and ensure all entities in the Inter-American system are positioned for greater success in the future.
The evidence of our commitment to this Organization began last year with the approval of a substantial budget increase, complemented by an external evaluation, and followed by thorough discussions surrounding the report provided to us by Alvarez & Marsal. This report represents a pivotal step toward establishing a solid foundation for the OAS. The critical next phase, initiated during negotiations for this year’s budget, was the implementation of the invaluable recommendations from the report. However, our work does not conclude here. It remains essential for each delegation present to actively explore opportunities for implementing these recommendations both in the short and long term.
We are here today because we hold a shared belief in the OAS and the profoundly positive impact it can yield for our region. We acknowledge this Organization’s exceptional capability to champion democracy, safeguard human rights, ensure a holistic approach to security, promote integral development, and uphold Inter-American legal cooperation. This is precisely why the U.S. Mission affirms that this Special General Assembly transcends mere administrative and budgetary matters. It embodies our commitment to ensuring the sustainability of this organization and its capacity to tackle the pressing issues and challenges poised to confront our region in 2025 and beyond.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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**Interview with Ambassador Francisco O. Mora on the OAS Budget Address**
*Interviewer*: Thank you for joining us today, Ambassador Mora. Let’s dive right into your recent address at the OAS General Assembly. You painted quite a vivid picture of the challenges surrounding the budget negotiations. What was the most surprising aspect of the discussions for you?
*Ambassador Mora*: Thank you for having me! Honestly, the level of engagement from all delegations was inspiring. Even when topics felt tedious—especially the budget—we saw a genuine commitment to collaboration. I think it’s easy to overlook the hard work behind the scenes, and seeing everyone come together reminded me that even bureaucratic discussions can lead to meaningful outcomes.
*Interviewer*: You made a notable comparison, likening the budget negotiations to a struggle for a diet in the face of irresistible desserts. Can you elaborate on that?
*Ambassador Mora*: Absolutely! While we emphasize the importance of creating a sustainable budget, we often feel the pull of immediate needs and desires. It’s like trying to resist a tray of pastries at a meeting. In this context, maintaining focus on long-term goals takes discipline, just like sticking to a diet. I believe every member state feels that tension.
*Interviewer*: The decision to sell the Casa del Soldado has certainly raised eyebrows. Could you share some insights on how that fits into the larger goals of the OAS?
*Ambassador Mora*: Selling the Casa del Soldado is indeed a significant decision, akin to making tough choices about family heirlooms. We need to ensure that our assets are aligned with our current mission and future objectives. It’s not just about offloading property; it’s about strategically positioning the OAS for greater effectiveness and sustainability.
*Interviewer*: The Alvarez & Marsal report was highlighted as a game-changer. What specific recommendations from this report do you believe will have the greatest impact?
*Ambassador Mora*: The report offers a roadmap for systemic reforms, emphasizing efficiency and better resource allocation. By focusing on the implementation of these recommendations, we can streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance our responsiveness to the pressing issues in the Americas—ultimately making the OAS more robust in its mission.
*Interviewer*: as the OAS navigates these complex waters, what message do you want to convey to the member states and stakeholders?
*Ambassador Mora*: My message is simple yet powerful: we are all in this together. The challenges we face demand a collective response, and it’s crucial that we remain united in our commitment to democracy, human rights, and regional cooperation. Together, we can transform our aspirations into reality, overcoming any obstacles that lie ahead.
*Interviewer*: Thank you, Ambassador Mora. It’s clear that while the path may be challenging, the commitment to work together is stronger than ever!
*Ambassador Mora*: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to shed light on these important discussions. Cheers to our collective efforts ahead!
