Sir Ronald Sanders, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and to the Organization of American States (OAS), today assumed the Chairmanship of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) for a six-month term running through December 31, 2026.

A distinguished diplomat and longstanding advocate for sustainable development, regional integration, and multilateral cooperation, Sir Ronald brings to the Chairmanship an extensive record of leadership within the OAS. He has served as President of the OAS Permanent Council on three separate occasions — a distinction that armed him with unique experience to guide decision-making by member states.

As Chair of CIDI, Sir Ronald will preside over the Council’s deliberations and guide its efforts to advance integral development throughout the Americas. His priorities for the Chairmanship include strengthened cooperation in the areas of education, science and technology, tourism, energy resilience, port security, and maritime infrastructure . Each of these areas is critical to building the sustainable and inclusive development that Latin America and the Caribbean urgently require.

The Inter-American Council for Integral Development was established under the Protocol of Managua, which entered into force on January 29, 1996, to strengthen cooperation among OAS member states and to coordinate efforts in support of integral development throughout the Hemisphere.

Integral development is one of the four foundational pillars of the OAS — alongside democracy, human rights, and multidimensional security — and these pillars are mutually reinforcing, reflecting the Organization’s comprehensive approach to promoting peace, prosperity, and cooperation.

Sir Ronald’s assumption of the Chairmanship coincides with a landmark moment: CIDI’s 30th anniversary of advancing inter-American cooperation and sustainable development. His leadership comes at a pivotal juncture as member states continue to navigate evolving social, economic, environmental, and technological challenges, and as the demand for inclusive, resilient development solutions across the region has never been greater.