Panama, June 22, 2026. To renewed hemispheric commitment to cooperation and democracy, the 56th regular session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) was formally opened this Monday.

The meeting, held as part of the commemoration of the Bicentennial of the 1826 Anifictionic Congress under the motto "United America," began with the Dialogue of Heads of Delegation with representatives of civil society and other social actors, who addressed the main challenges of the continent with regard to human rights, democracy, inclusion and integral development.

To energize the exchanges, the Forum implemented an interactive format inspired by the Davos model, with direct discussions guided by guiding questions and a limit of two and a half minutes for each intervention.

During the three-hour session, the participating organizations put forward proposals and recommendations focused on four main thematic challenges: an impetus to integral development, strengthening democracy and two segments dedicated to fundamental guarantees and the protection of human rights in the region.

The opening of the day was undertaken by the Minister of Culture of Panama, María Eugenia Herrera, who officially welcomed international delegations with OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin and Assistant Secretary General Laura Gil, in an area that brought together diplomats, workers, representatives of the private sector and civil society organizations.

Also, Minister Herrera played an important role as she moderated the human rights bloc and facilitated an exchange of views between civil coalitions and government representatives in an atmosphere of dialogue, respect and joint construction.

The meeting was a meeting with Member States to discuss regional challenges and strengthen mechanisms for cooperation among nations.