Washington, D.C. – Today, at the Organization of American States (OAS) main building, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) held its annual Board of Trustees meeting, inaugurated with opening remarks by Luis Almagro Lemes, Secretary General of the OAS and Chairman of PADF. The meeting highlighted PADF’s significant achievements in assisting vulnerable populations across the Americas, with a special focus on its substantial growth in outreach and impact.
Madam President of the PADF Board of Directors, Alexandra Aguirre, and Madam Executive Director, Katie Taylor, led the meeting, which was attended by distinguished members of the PADF Board of Trustees and staff.
President of the Board of Directors, Alexandra Aguirre, proudly announced that in 2023, PADF directly assisted 959,691 individuals, marking a 22.8% increase from the previous year. This remarkable achievement underscores PADF’s commitment to expanding its reach and impact. Furthermore, the number of people indirectly assisted by PADF programs soared to 10,352,554, a staggering 231% increase from last year, reflecting the Foundation’s growing influence and effectiveness in the region.
Secretary General Almagro emphasized PADF’s dedication to its three thematic goal areas: Vulnerable Populations, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Advancing Rights and Justice. He highlighted PADF’s work in addressing the needs of migrants, refugees, and displaced persons, noting that 200,000 individuals in ten countries were directly assisted through migration programs this year. These efforts not only provide humanitarian aid but also facilitate successful local integration.
The Secretary General also addressed the critical issue of security across the Americas, acknowledging PADF’s partnership with the OAS’ Secretariat for Multidimensional Security (SMS) in promoting cooperative measures among member states. He cited examples of PADF’s impactful work in Mexico, Central America’s Northern Triangle, Ecuador, Colombia, the Caribbean, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana, focusing on security and justice system reforms, and support for marginalized populations.
Almagro highlighted PADF’s role in supporting democracy and governance, particularly in monitoring electoral processes and supporting civil society, journalists, and human rights defenders. This work is crucial in protecting civic space and promoting resilient democracies.
The meeting concluded with Almagro expressing his gratitude to the PADF Trustees and staff for their unwavering commitment and service. He emphasized the importance of continued partnership between the OAS and PADF in expanding rights and creating opportunities across the hemisphere.
Published on November 10, 2023.
Katie Taylor
Executive Director
Email: connect@padf.org
