82nd Regular Meeting of the Directing Council of the IIN.

On 26 and 27 July, 2007 the Directing Council of the Inter-American Children's Institute held its 82nd Regular Meeting, coinciding with the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Institute. The OAS Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin opened this important event that was attended by the Vice President of Colombia, Dr. Francisco Santos and the Mayor of Cartagena, Mr. Nicolás Curi. It also counted on the participation of Ms. Sara Oviedo as President and Delegate of Ecuador to the Directing Council of the IIN, and Ms. Kirsys Fernández de Valenzuela as Vice President and Delegate of the Dominican Republic to the Directing Council; Delegates from 19 countries in the region, and Observers from non governmental and inter-governmental organizations.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin noted that this Anniversary was a unique opportunity to set the path of our vision, and to proceed along it with energy and courage for the benefit of children in the Americas. He also welcomed the offer made by the Dominican Republic to establish an IIN Sub Regional Office for the Caribbean and Central America.

He pointed out that "The huge task ahead of us may be addressed with the best results if we leave in it the space required for the development of an institutional policy. We should identify priorities, establish strategic alliances, and strengthen the role of the Institute as a referent and coordinator on child issues within the Inter-American System.

Let us recall, he noted, that the intervention of Civil Society entities on child issues enables a fluent and ongoing relation between individuals and the state. The implementation of this universal recalling requires further review. I invite you all to draw from this Meeting the best possible outcome for the benefit of children in our more committed and inclusive Americas, consistently with our present challenges."

He mentioned that "During this Meeting the Action Plan covering the term of office of the Director General of the Institute and proposing innovating actions through specific activities in significant areas will be submitted for consideration."

He reiterated "the OAS commitment to contribute for this Meeting to become a milestone in the future path of child issues in the hemisphere, and for its resulting recommendations and resolutions to turn the wishes and expectations of children in the hemisphere into a reality.

Consequently, we shall be in a position to tap on the present and future opportunities to promote the rights of children, contribute to their well-being and work for the strengthening of families and communities."

He finally highlighted the need for a vigorous protection of children's rights, the determined promotion of their growth and development, and the creation of a favorable environment supporting the expression of creativity, new ideas, and innovation.

The Inter-American Children's Institute was created in 1927 and is presently conducted by a new Director General, Ms. María de los Dolores Aguilar Marmolejo. It is a Specialized Organization of the Organization of American States devoted to child issues; this Regular Meeting of its Directing Council reaffirmed the institutional willingness to achieve a greater incidence on the region by encouraging and supporting the efforts made by the Member States for the benefit of the rights and well-being of children in the hemisphere.