FPOSC 2009

2009-01-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Civil Society representative,

The Organization of American States (OAS) extends its greetings and is pleased to announce that a wide-ranging and constructive calendar of meetings and consultation is being developed to engage civil society participation in preparation for the Fifth Summit of the Americas. The Summits of the Americas Secretariat, in collaboration with the Department of International Affairs, will promote the involvement of civil society representatives in a series of Sub Regional, Regional and Thematic forums to be held prior to the Fifth Summit of the Americas, taking place on April 17-19, 2009, in Trinidad and Tobago, in order to enlist the views of civil society organizations on the themes of the V Summit.

These meetings (dates and venues to be announced) will be open to civil society organizations, representatives of Member States, and institutions of the Joint Summit Working Group. Meeting agendas for these roundtables will provide an opportunity for civil society to examine the Draft Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain presented by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago entitled Securing our Citizen's Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability to debate its themes and formulate recommendations and submit inputs for the consideration of the OAS member States as they negotiate the Draft Declaration. Sub Regional meetings are planned to be held in the Caribbean, Central America (including Mexico and Dominican Republic) and South America. Thematic meetings will include a specific focus on promoting participation by vulnerable groups, including indigenous peoples, afro-descendents, and engaging the youth, among others.

An Open Invitation will be widely distributed through the Department of International Affairs’ listserv as well as posted on DIA’s’ civil society website and the Summits of the Americas Information Network. The OAS anticipates financing the participation of a limited number of civil society organizations with the purpose of assuring ample thematic and regional representation in the Sub Regional Forums.

More information regarding the dates and venues of these meetings will be disseminated once it becomes available.

Kind regards,

Summits of the Americas Secretariat Department of International Affairs

Secretariat for External Relations

2009-01-05T22:16:00.000-08:00

Honduras to Host OAS General Assembly in 2009

Preparations are well underway for the hemisphere’s foreign ministers to meet in Honduras in early June for the thirty-ninth regular session of the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly, for which the topic of non-violence will be the main theme.

Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin, the OAS Assistant Secretary General, on a visit to Honduras met with President Manuel Zelaya Rosales and Foreign Affairs Minister Ángel Edmundo Orellana Mercado to continue discussions on logistics for the annual conference that will be held in San Pedro Sula.

The discussions with President Zelaya centered on the concept paper and the topic, which was proposed by the Honduran government.

A press conference was held afterward to announce preliminary details and report on the status of preparations for the foreign ministers’ gathering, which is the OAS’ highest decision-making body.

The Assistant Secretary General held another meeting with the Foreign Minister, the National Coordinator and the Foreign Ministry’s Coordinating Team, describing the consultation as “very positive.” He said that besides the additional information exchanged, the meeting at the Honduran Foreign Ministry set “some clear target dates for progress” in the lead-up to the General Assembly.

Ambassador Ramdin extended an invitation to President Zelaya to visit the OAS to address the member state representatives and provide more details about the General Assembly topic. Prior to the presidential visit to the OAS’ headquarters, Foreign Minister Orellana is expected to visit Washington, DC to sign the agreement under which the government of Honduras will host the OAS General Assembly.

2009-01-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS
Distribution: General
Date: December, 2008
Original: English
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
April 17-19, 2008
Information Bulletin No. 1
December, 2008
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS
CONTENTS
1. Requirements for Entry into Trinidad and Tobago
2. Summit Venue
3. Air Transportation
4. Delegation Coordinator
5. Liaison Officer
6. Accreditation
7. Accommodation
8. Baggage
9. Duty Free Entry of Goods
10. Importation and Use of Firearms and Ammunition
11. Reception at the Airport
12. Transportation
13. General Services
14. Access to Official Summit Venues
15. Telecommunications
16. Media
17. Security
18. Medical Services
19. Disaster Emergency
20. Pre-Summit Activities
ANNEXES
This Bulletin is intended to provide general logistics information on the Fifth Summit of the Americas which
will be held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, over the period April 17 - 19, 2009.
A) Provisional Programme for Heads of State/Government/Delegations
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 1
1. Requirements for Entry into Trinidad and Tobago
Passports
All participants in the Fifth Summit of the Americas must be in possession of a valid passport and completed
Arrival/Departure (E/D) Card to enter Trinidad and Tobago. The latter should be provided by the
airline before arrival. If not, as will be the case with persons traveling on non-commercial aircraft, these forms
will be provided on arrival and assistance in completing them will be provided by appropriate personnel at
the airport.
Visas
Holders of passports issued by the following countries require visas for entry into Trinidad and Tobago:
• Bolivia
• Haiti
• Paraguay
Such persons may be exempted after receipt of an application.
Holders of passports issued by the following countries do not require visas for entry into Trinidad and Tobago
for visits of up to ninety (90) days for vacation or business:
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Dominican Republic
• Equador
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Peru
• United Sates of America
• Uruguay
• Venezuela
Holders of Diplomatic or Official Passports issued by the following countries do not require visas:
• Argentina
• Chile
• Panama
Holders of passports issued by CARICOM Member States with the exception of Haiti do not require a visa.
Delegates who must connect through a third country should contact the relevant immigration authorities
regarding visa requirements.
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 2
2. Summit Venue
The Fifth Summit of the Americas will be held at the:
HYATT REGENCY TRINIDAD
1 A Wrightson Road
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies
General Services Area
General support services for the Summit will be located at the:
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE
1 A Wrightson Road
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Facilities at the International Financial Centre will be available from April 15, 2009 and will include:
• Delegation Offices
• A General Services Area
• The International Media Centre
To meet all logistical needs of the participants in the Summit, a General Services Area will be established.
The services to be provided are detailed in section 13 of this Bulletin.
International Media Centre
An International Media Centre will be located at the International Financial Centre. Details of the facilities
available are to be found in section 16 of this Bulletin.
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 3
3. Air Transportation
Scheduled Commercial Airlines Serving Trinidad and Tobago
The following Airlines serve Trinidad and Tobago:
AIRLINE
AIR TAHOMA INC.
AIRBORNE EXPRESS INC.
AMERICAN AIRLINES INC
AMERICAN EAGLE INC
AMERIFLIGHT INC.
AMERIJET INTERNATIONAL
AVIONES DE ORIENTE
BRITISH AIRWAYS
CARIBBEAN AIRLINES
COMPANIA PANAMENA DE AVIACISA
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES INC
CONVIASA
CORPORATE AIR INC
DELTA
KING FISHER AIR SERVICES
LEEWARD ISLANDS AIR TRANSPORT
RORAIMA AIRWAYS
SKY SERVICE
SPIRIT
SURINAAMSE LUCHTVAART MAATSCHAPPIJ
VENEZOLANA SERVICIOS EXPRESOS DE CAREGA
CALLSIGN
HMA
ABX
AAL
EGF
AMF
AJT
ROI
BAW
BWA
CMP
COA
VCV
CPT
DAL
BEZ
LIAT
ROR
SSV
MKS
SLM
VEC
Participants in the Fifth Summit of the Americas who will be traveling by commercial airline are advised to
check with the relevant carriers early to ascertain their schedules and to make the appropriate reservations.
Non- commercial Aircraft
Entry into the territory of Trinidad and Tobago by Non-commercial aircraft requires the approval of the
Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Delegations must make their over-flight and landing arrangements as early as possible through the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago and accordingly inform the National Secretariat through the Director
of Protocol.
Delegations will be responsible for all ground handling arrangements related to the use of Non-commercial
aircraft as well as for their cost.
Arrangements will be made to facilitate parking of aircraft at the Piarco International Airport. Delegations
are requested to pursue these arrangements with the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago. The
contact information will be provided in a subsequent Bulletin.
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 4
4. Delegation Coordinator
All delegations must identify a Delegation Coordinator (DC) who will be the official point of contact for the
coordination of all logistical aspects of the delegation’s participation in the Summit. The DC must have full
responsibility for the accreditation of delegates and must be the only person authorized to verify accreditation.
Delegation Offices
Each delegation will be provided with an office equipped with a computer, a printer and a telephone line for
local calls. Arrangements for international calls must be made by individual delegations, at their cost, in
accordance with the procedures outlined in section 13 of this Bulletin.
Offices will be delivered to each DC on a date to be fixed, at the National Secretariat Office:
International Financial Centre
1 A Wrightson Road
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Should delegations require additional services for their offices, the assigned Liaison Officer will assist in
facilitating the necessary arrangements directly with the local suppliers within Port of Spain. The provision
of such services will be at the cost of the delegation.
Briefing for Delegation Coordinator
There will be a briefing for all DCs on a date to be determined. During this briefing, Identification Badges
and invitations to official events will be distributed. Please note this information will be provided only to the
Delegation Coordinators. The briefing will take place at:
International Financial Centre
1 A Wrightson Road
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 5
5. Liaison Officers
Liaison Officers will be assigned to each Delegation as follows:
• 1 Liaison Officer for the Head of State/Government/Delegation
• 1 Liaison Officer for the spouse of the Head of State/Government/Delegation
• 1 or 2 Liaison Officers for the remainder of each Delegation according to its size
Liaison Officers will be appointed to facilitate communications between delegations and the Host Country
through the National Secretariat.
The names of the assigned Liaison Officers will be provided on arrival in Trinidad and Tobago through the
DC. Liaison Officers will be presented to their delegations on arrival at the respective hotels.
The DC is the official channel of communication between the delegation and the appropriate Officer of the
National Secretariat.
The DC will be the direct link between the assigned Liaison Officer and the Delegation to which he/she is
assigned.
Services provided by Liaison Officers will include:
• Facilitating communication between the Delegation and the National Secretariat.
• Supporting delegations attending the Summit with logistics and organizational matters. Providing
delegations with information concerning inter alia meetings, venues, hotels, schedules, time
adjustments, transportation, flight schedules, security issues (see section 17), the accreditation
process, social and cultural events.
• Providing general information about Trinidad and Tobago, particularly, the Capital City of
Port of Spain.
• All enquiries regarding the Liaison Officer service should be directed to:
The Office of the Director of Protocol
International Financial Centre
The contact information will be provided in a subsequent Bulletin.
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 6
6. Accreditation
Application for accreditation should be made online in advance of arrival in Trinidad and Tobago. To accelerate
the accreditation process a web tool will be available for online registration.
For delegates who have not applied online, or who have provided incorrect or incomplete information, there
will be an Accreditation Centre for completing the process. Please be advised that accreditation on arrival
may result in delays.
A personal, non-transferable Identification (ID) Badge will be issued for each participant. This machine readable
badge will incorporate security features and will determine access to Summit Venues.
The Delegation Coordinator will be responsible for the receipt and distribution of badges on arrival in
Trinidad and Tobago.
Further details will be forwarded in Information Bulletin No. 2.
Vehicle Accreditation
All vehicles to be used in the activities related to the Fifth Summit of the Americas must be registered with
the National Secretariat through the Security Coordinator.
Only accredited vehicles will have access to the security zone encompassing the Hyatt Regency Trinidad.
The Delegation Coordinator is the person responsible for these arrangements at the Accreditation Centre.
(see section 5)
7. Accommodation
Accommodation will be arranged in the city of Port of Spain in hotels selected by the National Secretariat.
Additional accommodation will be provided in two “floating hotels”, the Carnival Victory and the Caribbean
Princess which will be anchored in the Port of Spain Harbour in the vicinity of the Conference Centre.
The Delegation Coordinator will be required to liaise with the National Secretariat on all accommodation
issues.
Accommodation will be provided at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (suites) for all Heads of Delegations plus one
member of each Delegation courtesy the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 7
Three additional rooms will be allocated at the same hotel for use by each delegation at its own cost.
Accommodation on the cruise ships for the Fifth Summit of the Americas must be arranged through the
National Secretariat, which will then allocate appropriate room blocks to each delegation once its size and
composition have been determined.
8. Baggage
In order to facilitate prompt processing of baggage, special baggage tags will be provided for delegates
through their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs. These tags will identify baggage as follows:
• Place of accommodation
• Heads of Delegations and their spouses
• Ministers of Foreign Affairs
• Delegates
• Media Representatives
9. Duty Free Entry of Goods
Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago are allowed to enter with articles for their personal use. These articles are
exempt from duty and taxes if they are declared on arrival and exported on departure. Such personal articles
include clothing, personal computers and cameras.
A limited quantity of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products for personal use is also allowed duty and tax
free entry. These products are limited to:
• Alcoholic beverages:
wine or spirits not exceeding 1.5 litres for ALL bottles bought or in total
• Tobacco products:
tobacco not exceeding 250 grams or
cigars not exceeding 50 in number or
cigarettes not exceeding 200 in number
Heads of Delegations wishing to enter with items in excess of these allowances should notify the National
Secretariat well in advance of their travel to Trinidad and Tobago.
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 8
10. Importation and Use of Firearms and Ammunition
The importation and use of firearms and ammunition by security personnel accompanying Heads of State,
Government and Delegations are subject to the following procedures:
Police requirements
i. An application must be made to the Commissioner of Police for a Firearm Import Permit on a
Form 12* outlining the quantity, type, serial number and calibre of the firearms and ammunition.
ii. An application must be made to the Commissioner of Police to take the firearm abroad
on Form 14* outlining type, calibre, serial number, reason and destination of the firearms and
ammunition.
iii. An application must be made to the Commissioner of Police for a Firearm User’s Licence on a
Form 1* together with two (2) photographs of the person who is applying for the licence. The person
to whom the licence is to be granted is required to sign the application form.
iv. These forms should be accompanied by a covering letter from the applicant’s Ministry of Foreign
Affairs detailing the dates and times of arrival and departure of the security personnel.
v. Application forms must be submitted for processing and approval at least one (1) month before the
commencement of the Summit. It is advisable, however that it be done earlier to ensure processing
before arrival.
vi. The Commissioner of Police will assign a senior police officer to deliver the permits/certificates to
the security personnel upon arrival in Trinidad and Tobago and before interaction with the Customs
authorities.
vii. Once the documents are delivered, armed personnel will be required to keep and carry same while
in Trinidad and Tobago. The documents must be returned to a designated Customs Officer at the
point of departure.
viii. Section 34 (1) of the Firearms Act makes it an offence for anyone without lawful authority to have on
his person or under his personal control, any firearm or ammunition while boarding or attempting
to board or when disembarking from any aircraft.
*Forms will be provided at a later date on the official website: www.fifthsummitoftheamericas.org
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 9
Customs requirements:
i. Section 17 of the Firearms Act of Trinidad and Tobago gives the Commissioner of Police discretion in
the granting of all licences, certificates or permits, relative to the importation, exportation and
carrying of any type of firearm and ammunition.
ii. Further, Section 31 (1) provides that no person may import into Trinidad and Tobago any firearm or
ammunition except under and in accordance with the terms of a Firearm Import Permit.
iii. Upon arrival in the country, these items must be declared to Customs by both the Captain/Master
of the aircraft or ship and the passenger importing the item(s).
iv. The passenger declares the items on his/her Passenger Arrival Form and the Captain/Master
makes the declaration on the manifest submitted to the Proper Officer of Customs.
v. A 100% physical inspection must be carried out by Customs to verify that the type, quantity and
where applicable, the serial numbers of the items conform to the import permit before they are
admitted.
vi. An export licence must also be obtained for the re-exportation of the firearms and ammunition
along with a physical inspection to verify as at (iv) above.
vii. Firearms and ammunition on board military aircraft or vessels are exempted from the above
requirement.
viii. Once all the requirements are met the Customs and Excise Division will, in support of the national
security and logistical arrangements for hosting the Fifth Summit of the Americas, facilitate timely
and expeditious processing.
11. Reception at the Airport
Welcome for the Heads of State, Government and Delegations, and their spouses.
A short Ceremonial Welcome will be held at the Piarco International Airport for all Heads of State, Government
and Delegations and their spouses,
Other members of delegations will be met and transported to their respective hotels.
Welcoming Parties
Welcoming Parties for Heads of State, Government and Delegations and their spouses will comprise Senior
Trinidad and Tobago Government representatives, the respective Head of Mission and Senior Protocol and
Security Officers.
Representatives of Diplomatic/Consular Missions wishing to welcome other delegates should address such
requests to the National Secretariat’s Director of Protocol at least two weeks in advance of the arrival so that
the appropriate arrangements may be made for access to the restricted areas. The number of representatives
per Mission will be limited to two (2).
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 10
To effectively coordinate arrivals and departures, the National Secretariat’s Director of Protocol should be
informed of:
• The respective flight schedules
• Information concerning the use of Non commercial aircraft
• The number and composition of delegations accompanying the Head of State, Government and
Delegations
Information should be addressed to the National Secretariat through its Director of Protocol.
All arrivals and departures will be via the Piarco International Airport.
12. Transportation
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will provide an official vehicle for:
• Each Head of State, Government and Delegation
• His/her spouse
• Ministers of Foreign Affairs
• Heads of International Bodies
Other delegates, media and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) representatives will be transported to
and from the airport in buses. A courtesy shuttle bus service between designated hotels and the Summit
Venues will be provided for Delegates, media and the NGOs accredited to the event.
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 11
13. General Services
i. Simultaneous Interpretation
During the working sessions of the Official Programmme of the Summit, simultaneous
interpretation will be provided in the four official languages of the Organisation of American States
(English, Spanish, French and Portuguese).
ii. Information Desks
Information desks will be located in the general services area at the International Financial Centre.
Information may also be provided by concierges and reception desks at the designated hotels.
iii. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
ATM service will be available 24 hours a day for cash transactions. All major Credit Cards will be
accepted.
iv. Currency Exchange
Foreign currency exchange services will be available. For such transactions a passport must be
presented.
v. Mail and Courier Services
Services will be available for mail, document and package delivery.
vi. Travel Agency
There will be a Travel Agency accessible to handle any travel arrangements.
vii. Car Rental
A car rental service will be available.
viii. Mobile phone sales and rentals
Cellular phone sales and rental services will be available during the Summit, along with the sale of
air time through pre-paid cards for mobile phones.
14. Access to Official Summit Venues
Access to the Official Summit Venues listed in Section 2 during the Fifth Summit of the Americas will be
controlled through the accreditation process.
All delegations attending the Summit must be sure to accredit their members in accordance with the
official accreditation procedure (see section 6), details of which will be forwarded shortly.
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 12
Access to Plenary Sessions will be restricted to five (5) persons per delegation who will be issued with
overpasses. Two transferable overpasses will be issued to each delegation to allow alternates to enter the
Plenary Room.
Persons not wearing the relevant ID Badge will not be admitted to Official Summit Venues.
15. Telecommunications
Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago, (TSTT), a full service provider, will offer services to
cover the full suite of telecommunications needs of the participants. These services include:
• Fixed lines
• Mobile
• Wired and wireless broadband
• Video conferencing services, and integral solutions
TSTT deploys both wireless and wired next generation networks with multimedia capabilities, thus making
it one of the most advanced solutions providers in the country.
The range of TSTT services are varied. Should any additional services be required, TSTT can be contacted
directly at: 1-868-800-TSTT or tstt_service@tstt.co.tt.
Information may also be obtained by visiting the website: www.tstttntconferences2009.co.tt.
TSTT Products and Services
In order to optimize on time service delivery, TSTT will accept orders for services for the Fifth Summit of the
Americas until February 14, 2009.
All orders received after that date will be dealt with on a commercial “best effort” basis. However, delivery in
time for the Summit cannot be guaranteed once requests are submitted after February 14, 2009.
Information on all available TSTT services and contact information to facilitate the procurement of services
is available via the TSTT website.
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 13
i. Commercial Direct Lines
There will be four (4) types of direct commercial lines available for the delegations:
• Commercial direct line charged to a TSTT account - (Existing Customers)
For those clients who are existing customers with a recurring monthly bill from
Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago – TSTT, the contract, rental, measured service,
and long distance expenses of the services requested during this event will be charged through the
existing monthly bill. The long distance fees are set according to the contracted discount plan.
Note: *This does not include additional special features which attract an additional cost.
All Rates quoted in Trinidad and Tobago Dollars
• Commercial direct line charged to a credit card- (New Customers)
For clients who do not have a monthly contract with TSTT, pricing includes:
• Commercial line
• Internal wiring
• Service rental during the event
• Equipment
Note: Long distance phone calls, along with the measured service calls, will be charged according to usage.
All Rates quoted in Trinidad and Tobago Dollars
Service
Direct line
Trunk line
One time Installation Charge
$419.00
$419.00
*Monthly Rental
$203.55
$304.75
Service
One temporary direct line
One time Charge – includes installation & rental
$826.85 ( Payable in advance)
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 14
• Pre-paid calling cards for use with fixed lines
Pre-paid cards are available for purchase within Trinidad and Tobago. “Companion” calling cards for
overseas calls are widely available throughout the islands. There are pre-paid cards to facilitate both
local and international calls which may be made from any fixed line public phone in Trinidad and
Tobago to the rest of the country or to any part of the world.
Companion calling cards will be widely available in Trinidad and Tobago and may be purchased at
various locations throughout the host country, including Piarco International Airport, bmobile
stores, and selected hotels.
• Pre-paid Fixed Line Services – New and Existing Customers
Upon request, TSTT will accommodate and install fixed lines to facilitate the receipt of all incoming
calls whilst restricting outgoing calls with the use of pre-paid cards only.
For any additional telecommunications services which are not covered in this document, please contact
TSTT at: 1-868-800-TSTT or via email at tstt_service@tstt.co.tt
ii. Internet Access
Internet access is core to the conference experience and TSTT will make multiple modes of internet
access available to delegates and delegations.
Basic Dial-Up Access
This is an Internet access service through a direct commercial phone line, using a personal
code assigned when the service is contracted.
619 EASY – dial up internet is available at most hotels. This is charged by the hotel at per
minute usage rates and requires no account registration with TSTT.
Broadband Access
Fixed broadband service (BLINK Broadband) is available where an existing or temporary
fixed line connection is available. The following speeds and prices are as follows:
All Rates quoted in Trinidad and Tobago Dollars
Speed
1Mb
1Mb (synchronous)
2Mb
3Mb
4Mb
6Mb
Rental
$1,249.00
$1,799.00
$2,099.00
$2,399.00
$2,599.00
$4,793.62
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 15
This service offers:
• A permanent broadband Internet connection with dual functionality. One phone line allows for
simultaneous Internet and voice access without altering the voice quality or varying the connection
speed.
• Toll charges are only applicable for voice calls placed, as there is no toll charge associated with
connections to the Internet.
• With only one access line, there can be a direct connection to a computer or to a local area network
(several computers simultaneously). Laptops may also share the connection via a wireless
connection using the same equipment.
Mobile Wireless Broadband
Mobile Blink Broadband or “Blink On-The-Go” will allow for wireless broadband mobility.
All Rates quoted in Trinidad and Tobago Dollars
WiFi
Visitors with compatible WiFi enabled devices including mobile phones will be able to access WiFi
services wherever signs display its availability. Usernames and passwords will be made available to
delegates prior to the Summit via the National Secretariat, or users can access the service via an
open network. The same username and password will be used at all TSTT powered WiFi hotspots
for the added value of a roaming experience. TSTT will establish WiFi hotspots in several restaurants,
hotels, clubs, guest houses and other businesses which will be frequented by the delegates and
support staff, so that wireless broadband coverage will extend beyond the core conference areas.
The WIFI standard available is IEEE 802.11 B and G.
For any additional telecommunications services which are not covered in this document, please
contact TSTT at: 1-868-800-TSTT or via email at tstt_service@tstt.co.tt
Service Description
Monthly Allowance Mega Bytes (Mb) /month
Mega Byte rate (Mb) after Allowance
Activation Fee
Modem Fee
2000 Mb
$0.40
$600.00
$1,200.00
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 16
iii. Mobile Services
Roaming
TSTT currently operates a mobile network under the bmobile brand with GSM service on three
(3) bands, 850/1900/1800 MHz, as well as limited voice international roaming service on a CDMA
850 network. To facilitate seamless accessibility for the participants of the Fifth Summit of the
Americas, TSTT has roaming partnership agreements with 302 GSM carriers, as well as CDMA
carriers.
These partnerships/agreements will facilitate inbound roaming for the participants of the Fifth
Summit of the Americas allowing for delegates’ ease of access with their own mobile handsets
operating on either of these frequencies. Access to mobile internet, blackberry services, voice calls
or any other mobile service will be available island wide. However, for participants who prefer not
to use the roaming facility TSTT will allocate a free bmobile GSM SIM card for use in Trinidad and
Tobago. (Please note that delegates accessing the GSM SIM card must be in possession of an
unlocked GSM handset.)
Additionally, all delegates for the Fifth Summit of the Americas will be provided with a bmobile
voucher which will enable them to obtain free GSM SIM cards preloaded with mobile airtime. This
GSM SIM card will be valid for one (1) month. The bmobile vouchers will be distributed via packages
made available through the National Secretariat.
TSTT’s bmobile conference website
TSTT will have an exclusive website (www.tstttntconferences2009.co.tt) to allow for easy access to
information on telecommunications services as well as a special E-store. The details of services
available on this website are outlined below:
Website (E-store) – this will facilitate online access to conference packages for delegates and media
personnel attending the Fifth Summit of the Americas. The Conference package includes the
following:
• Sale of GSM mobile handsets, GSM prepaid SIM cards and mobile airtime inclusive of international
rates and local rates.
• Delivery service of conference packages to respective hotels or arrangements for collection at ports
of entry (Airport/Seaport) or at the Conference location (IFC building).
• Full details on all bmobile services offered including roaming and other mobile data services.
• An interactive map outlining the major routes from Airport/Seaport to other delegate areas of
interest such as major participating hotels, bmobile stores and top-up locations along this route.
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 17
iv. On-Site Telecommunications Centre For Delegates
To maximize productivity during the conference, TSTT will facilitate on-site assistance for the
following mobile services:
• Sale of GSM mobile handsets
• Sale of GSM prepaid SIMs (for persons wishing to obtain their personal SIMs after the event)
• Sale of GSM mobile airtime
• Sale of prepaid calling cards
A Telecommunications Help Desk at the International Financial Centre will also be manned by TSTT
staffers to assist with any technical issues you may have.
v. Pre-paid cards for mobile telephones
Visitors may access mobile service via the purchase of GSM Pre-paid mobile airtime cards. With
prices ranging from $5.00 to $575.00 Trinidad and Tobago Dollars, (Value Added Tax exclusive),
these can easily facilitate the needs of all delegates.
The respective airtime bundles are outlined below:
TSTT (bmobile) rate for Local calls (TT$)
The voice rate applicable after the first 3 minutes is $0.50 including calls within the bmobile network, as well
as to fixed lines and other local mobile networks. This rate is VAT exclusive.
Please note that the Value Added Tax is 15% of cost.
Cost of Airtime (TT$)
TT$ 5.00
TT$575.00
Plan
Conference Plan
Voice
Day
$1.00
Voice
Evening
$1.00
Voice
Weekend
$1.00
SMS
to Bmobile
$0.30
SMS
to Other networks
$0.50
Airtime in (minutes)
Avg. 5 minutes (local voice calls)
Avg. 575 minutes (local voice calls)
Price per min(TT$) Local voice calls)
$1.00 per minute
$1.00 per minute
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 18
TSTT (bmobile) rate for International calls (TT$)
vi. Customer Service and Support
The following support services will be in place before the start of the Summit in order to ensure
seamless access to telecommunications services and full service support:
vii. Onsite Services
Trained telecommunications resource personnel will operate at key conference
facilities. These Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) will address all customer enquiries as
they relate to TSTT’s products and services and will be fully supported by a dedicated technical
team.
viii. Customized Help Access Number
TSTT will have a customized number available for quick and easy access to services. This number
is 1-868-800-TSTT. The number will be fully manned from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. (Trinidad and
Tobago time) daily.
Description
Destination
USA, Canada, UK & Ireland
Caribbean, Venezuela & India
Rest of the World (See exceptions in Notes 2 below) *
(TT$)
Day
$1.25
$1.50
$2.50
(TT$)
Evening
$1.00
$1.00
$2.00
(TT$)
Weekend
$0.50
$0.75
$1.50
Notes:
1. International calls terminating on mobile phones attract a surcharge of $1.00 per
minute except for mobile phones with receiving party pays plans such as in the USA or Canada.
2. A $6.00 per minute charge is applicable to the following countries: Antartica, Ascension,
Christmas & Cocos Keeling Islands, Comoros, Cook Island, Cuba, Falkland Islands, Greenland,
Guinea Bissau, Kiribati, Nauru Island, Niue Island, Norfolk Islands, Papua New Guinea, Sao Tome
and Principe, Solomon Islands, Somalia, St Helena, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.
All rates are VAT exclusive
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 19
ix. Multilingual Menus
For ease of access TSTT will provide multilingual menu options for all its services in the week prior
to and during the Conference.
Technical Support - Back office support will operate 24 hours per day
and provide all services after onsite locations have closed.
x. Language Services
From the week prior to the Conference experienced interpreters will operate from all key customer
service touch points to ensure that delegates can communicate with CSRs where English may not
be the primary language. These interpreters will not only be deployed onsite but also be co-located
with our Directory Assistance, Mobile, Internet (Wired and Wireless) and Overseas Operator
Services staff in the event that a delegate or guest decides to use any of these services.
xi. Other Telecommunications Services
For telecommunications services which are not specifically covered here, please contact
Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago – TSTT.
NOTE: The business arrangement between any telephone service provider and the delegations is the direct
responsibility of both parties.
CONTACT US
Telephone
Email
Website
1-868-800-TSTT
tstt_service@tstt.co.tt
www.tstttntconferences2009.co.tt
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 20
16. Media
The International Media Centre for the Fifth Summit of the Americas will be located at:
International Financial Centre
1 A Wrightson Road
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
i. Services
Services offered by the Host Broadcaster will include:
• Press room.
• Working areas with computer access.
• Dial-up (laptop) connections.
• Network (laptop) connections.
• Printers.
• Fax machines.
• Photocopying services.
• Closed-circuit television.
• Briefing rooms.
• Private working areas.
• Signal distributor.
• Areas for mobile units and broadcasting equipment.
• Base In Band (international signal to the booth).
• Copying services.
• Editing services.
Costs related to the above mentioned services are to be covered in advance.
ii. Accreditation of the Media
A personal, non-transferable Identification (ID) Badge will be issued to all members of the media.
This must be worn at all times and must always be visible in order to ensure access to the relevant
area.
Accreditation information will be made available online in advance of arrival in Trinidad and Tobago.
Details of the accreditation process will be communicated in a subsequent Bulletin.
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 21
iii. Media Accommodations
The media will be accommodated in a “floating hotel”, either the Carnival Victory or the Caribbean
Princess anchored in the port of Port of Spain in the vicinity of the Conference Centre. All media
accommodations must be arranged through the National Secretariat.
iv. Media Transportation
A courtesy shuttle bus service will be available for use by accredited media.
17. Security
A comprehensive operational planning framework has been established by the Government of Trinidad
and Tobago. Local, regional and international resources have been enlisted to ensure maximum security for
the Summit and all its associated sites and events.
In addition, appropriate close protection arrangements will be in place with respect to individual Heads of
State, Government and Delegations and their respective spouses.
Details of the security arrangements will be shared with the relevant security personnel of participating
delegations.
18. Medical Services
Trinidad and Tobago has a network of primary, secondary and tertiary health care services for both adults
and children. These are available on a 24 hour basis.
While being transported between Summit Venues Heads of State, Government and Delegations and their
spouses will be accompanied by an ambulance in case of emergency.
There will also be medical stations at all Summit Venues and events, with ambulance transportation available
to an appropriate facility as necessary.
It is advisable that participants travel with their health information and medication and advise the National
Secretariat in advance of any special requirements.
International medical insurance is recommended. Healthcare services at public health institutions are free,
including medication available at these Institutions. However, healthcare services, as well as medication at
private institutions will be available at a cost to participants.
Participants travelling from an area where there has been any outbreak of infectious disease, must so notify
the National Secretariat at least one (1) month in advance.
An air ambulance emergency evacuation service will also be available.
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 22
19. Disaster Emergency
There is a Disaster Response Plan in place in the event of any untoward development. Instructions will be
provided at designated hotels, cruise ships and venues.
20. Pre-Summit Activities
Pre-Summit activities are being planned with various groups and will take place during the period April 14
-16, 2009. Further information will be provided in a subsequent Bulletin.
Information Bulletin No. 2 will be issued in January 2009
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 23
ANNEX A
Fifth Summit of the Americas
Heads of State, Government and Delegations
Provisional Programme
Thursday, April 16 – Monday, April 20
Thursday, April 16
All day Arrival of the Heads of State, Government and Delegations
Piarco International Airport
Bilateral Meetings and/or Briefing Meetings
Designated rooms at Hyatt Regency Hotel
Friday, April 17
All day Arrival of the Heads of State, Government and Delegations
Piarco International Airport
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony
Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Hotel
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Cultural Show
Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Hotel
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception for Heads of State, Government and Delegations, their
spouses and special guests hosted by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and
Tobago and Senator, the Honourable Hazel Manning
Regency Foyer, Hyatt Regency Hotel/ Ship Deck for those viewing the ceremony
from the ship
FIFTH SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS page 24
Saturday, April 18
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. Bilateral Discussions
Designated rooms at Hyatt Regency Hotel
9:30 - 12:30 p.m. Plenary Session I: Human Prosperity
Port of Spain Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Hotel
12:30 p.m. Official Photographs of Heads of State
12:30 - 3:00 p.m. Working Lunch
Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Hotel
3:00 - 5:15 p.m. Plenary Session II: Energy Security
Port of Spain Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Hotel
5:15 - 6:45 p.m. Plenary Session III: Democracy and Strengthening of Institutions
Port of Spain Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Hotel
8:00 p.m. Official Dinner and Cultural Show hosted by the Prime Minister of Trinidad
and Tobago and Senator the Honourable Hazel Manning in honour of the
Heads of State, Government and Delegations, their spouses and
special guests.
Sunday, April 19
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Inter-Faith Service for the Heads of State, Government and Delegations
and their spouses (optional) Holy Trinity Cathedral- Abercromby Street
8:00 - 9:45 a.m. Bilateral Discussions
10:00 - 12:30 p.m. Retreat & Working Lunch
Diplomatic Centre, Conference Hall
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Closing Ceremony
Diplomatic Centre, Executive Dining Room/Ballroom
2:00 - 2:30 p.m. Media Conference
Diplomatic Centre, Press Room
3:30p.m. Departure of Heads of State, Government and Delegations
Piarco International Airport
Monday, April 20
All day Departure of Heads of State, Government and Delegations
Piarco International Airport
A SEPARATE PROGRAMME IS BEING DEVELOPED FOR THE
SPOUSES OF HEADS OF STATE, GOVERNMENT AND DELEGATION

2009-01-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

GRUPO DE REVISIÓN DE LA IMPLEMENTACIÓN OEA/Ser.E
DE CUMBRES (GRIC) GRIC/DC-V/doc.1/08
22 julio 2008
Original: inglés
Quinta Cumbre de las Américas
Puerto España, Trinidad y Tobago
19 de abril de 2009
Proyecto de Declaración de Compromiso
‘Asegurar el futuro de nuestros ciudadanos promoviendo la prosperidad humana, la seguridad energética y la sostenibilidad ambiental’
1. Guiados por un espíritu renovado de cooperación, integración y solidaridad regional, nosotros, los Jefes de Estado y de Gobierno de los países democráticos de las Américas, nos hemos reunido en Puerto España en la Quinta Cumbre de las Américas, con el firme compromiso de mejorar el bienestar de nuestros pueblos, adelantando soluciones colectivas a los desafíos más apremiantes que enfrenta nuestro hemisferio. Reiteramos nuestra voluntad de redoblar los esfuerzos nacionales y hemisféricos, con el fin de crear las condiciones para lograr más paz, seguridad y prosperidad para todos los pueblos de las Américas.
2. Conforme a los principios y valores de la Carta de la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA), la Carta Democrática Interamericana y las Metas de Desarrollo del Milenio de las Naciones Unidas, estamos determinados a continuar nuestra lucha contra la pobreza, el hambre, la exclusión social, la discriminación y la desigualdad, que afligen las vidas y erosionan las esperanzas de tantas personas en nuestro hemisferio.
3. Por consiguiente, renovamos nuestro compromiso con todos los pueblos de las Américas, de mejorar la calidad de nuestras vidas, mediante la adopción y ejecución de una estrategia interamericana de colaboración, con el apoyo de las instituciones de las Naciones Unidas y del Sistema Interamericano, para aunar los esfuerzos de todas nuestras naciones, con el fin de fomentar mayores oportunidades de empleo decente, mejorar la salud, el bienestar y la nutrición, ofrecer mayor acceso a una educación de calidad, así como asegurar una energía adecuada y sostenible y manejar responsablemente nuestro medio ambiente.
4. Afirmamos que estos temas son íntimamente interdependientes en cuanto a nuestros esfuerzos de construir instituciones democráticas más fuertes, de promover la buena gobernabilidad y la inclusión social, defender el imperio de la ley, acrecentar el acceso a la justicia, proteger los derechos humanos, combatir la violencia, el crimen y el terrorismo y lograr mayor participación cívica de todos los ciudadanos de la Comunidad Interamericana.
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Promover la prosperidad humana
5. Siguen existiendo profundas y persistentes desigualdades, especialmente en la educación, los niveles de ingreso, la salud y el estado de nutrición, la exposición a de la violencia y el crimen y el acceso a los servicios básicos. En respuesta a ello, seguiremos desarrollando e implementando programas de protección social dirigidos específicamente a los pobres y los grupos vulnerables de nuestras sociedades, para asegurar el igual acceso de todos los hombres y mujeres a los servicios sociales básicos, como el agua, la vivienda, el cuidado de la salud, la alimentación y la sanidad.
6. Nos comprometemos a intercambiar información sobre políticas, experiencias y buenas prácticas con el fin de apoyar nuestros esfuerzos nacionales de reducir las disparidades y la desigualdad social, y disminuir los índices de pobreza a la mitad para el año 2015. Le solicitamos al Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) que coordine el proceso de revisión y consolidación de todos los programas de protección social y erradicación de la pobreza para finales de 2010, en colaboración con los Ministros responsables de las Finanzas, la Planificación y el Desarrollo, al igual que con otras instituciones subregionales de financiamiento y desarrollo, con el fin de aumentar la eficiencia, reducir la duplicación de esfuerzos, identificar las brechas y optimizar la utilización de los recursos.
7. Reconocemos que para eliminar la pobreza y el hambre, crear empleos y elevar el nivel de vida de todos nuestros pueblos, debemos lograr mayores niveles de crecimiento económico continuo y en equidad. También reconocemos la contribución positiva de las políticas comerciales en propiciar el crecimiento, el empleo y el desarrollo. Por ende, nos comprometemos a seguir aplicando políticas macroeconómicas sanas, caracterizadas por medidas fiscales y monetarias apropiadas y transparentes, gastos públicos prudentes, ahorro interno elevado y altas tasas de crecimiento. Seguiremos también promoviendo el desarrollo del sector privado, diversificando la actividad económica, mejorando la competitividad y reforzando la integración económica. Nos comprometemos a elevar la inversión en infraestructura de energía, transporte y comunicaciones con el fin de atraer inversión privada adicional y fomentar el desarrollo empresarial.
8. De conformidad con lo declarado en “Trabajo decente en las Américas: Una agenda hemisférica (2006-2015)“, seguiremos facilitando y alentando la creación de más oportunidades de empleos decentes y productivos en el sector formal. Instruimos a los Ministros de Trabajo para que, en el contexto de la Conferencia Interamericana de Ministros de Trabajo de la OEA, en colaboración con los sindicatos y organizaciones de empleadores y con el apoyo de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT), desarrollen un plan coordinado, de manera de seguir trabajando en los objetivos de la Agenda para el fin de 2010.
9. Con el apoyo de la OIT y de conformidad con la Declaración de Principios y Derechos Fundamentales en el Trabajo, adoptaremos las políticas y regulaciones necesarias que faciliten y propicien el paso de empresas y trabajadores del sector informal al sector formal. También reafirmamos que a todos los inmigrantes, independientemente de su situación migratoria, se les debe otorgar la total protección de los derechos humanos y la plena observancia de las leyes de trabajo aplicables a los mismos.
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10. Reiteramos nuestro compromiso de proteger a la mujer y los niños de la explotación económica e instruimos a los Ministros responsables de la Educación, el Trabajo y el Desarrollo social para que adopten estrategias nacionales coordinadas, de manera de prevenir y erradicar para el año 2020, el trabajo de los niños, de conformidad con la Agenda hemisférica de Trabajo Decente y que desarrollen estrategias innovadoras para que los niños regresen a ambientes de aprendizaje sanos. También reiteramos nuestro compromiso de eliminar, para el año 2010, el trabajo forzado.
11. Las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas son fundamentales para el crecimiento económico, la creación de empleo y la reducción de la pobreza. Hacemos un llamado al Banco Mundial, el BID y otros bancos regionales para que apresuren sus esfuerzos de activación de la expansión y el desarrollo del sector privado, de manera que para 2012, se dupliquen los prestamos dirigidos a las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas y se triplique el número de empresas que tengan acceso al crédito.
12. Trabajaremos con miras a la eliminación de las barreras administrativas y burocráticas que entorpecen la creación de nuevas empresas. En consecuencia, adoptaremos las reformas necesarias para simplificar los procesos implicados en la iniciación y el cierre de empresas y nos comprometemos a reducir el tiempo requerido para poner en funcionamiento una empresa a un máximo de 30 días, para el año 2012. Hacemos un llamado al BID y el Banco Mundial para que apoyen los esfuerzos nacionales de mejorar los marcos legales y los procedimientos administrativos para poder lograr esa meta.
13. A fin de fomentar la innovación y la habilidad empresarial, nos comprometemos a aumentar la inversión en investigación y desarrollo a un mínimo de1% del PIB para 2015, y a reforzar los lazos entre las universidades, las instituciones científicas, el sector privado, las agencias multilaterales y los trabajadores. También desarrollaremos, armonizaremos y reforzaremos las leyes de propiedad intelectual y las regulaciones, de manera de salvaguardar los trabajos de innovación y creatividad.
14. El desafío más inmediato que enfrentamos en el hemisferio, y también en el mundo, es el de alimentar a nuestros pueblos. Nos comprometemos, por ende, a desempeñar un papel activo, trabajando en asociación con la comunidad internacional, en el desarrollo y aplicación de políticas y programas amplios para resolver ese reto. Reafirmamos nuestro compromiso con la Declaración de Roma de 2008 y la Conferencia de Alto Nivel sobre Seguridad Alimentaria Mundial, con los objetivos de la Cumbre Mundial de la Alimentación y la Meta de Desarrollo del Milenio de reducir a la mitad el número de personas desnutridas para 2015.
15. Nos comprometemos a desarrollar nuevos enfoques nacionales y regionales conforme al Plan AGRO 2015 e instruimos a nuestros Ministros de Agricultura para que adopten acciones estratégicas que faciliten la ejecución de esta Plan, basado en el consenso de su Reunión Hemisférica de 2007 en Guatemala.
16. Reconocemos que persisten los problemas de desigualdad de acceso a los servicios básicos de salud y de exclusión, especialmente entre los más vulnerables, incluyendo mujeres, niños, pueblos indígenas y l pobres. Por consiguiente, nos comprometemos a brindar protección social esencial y acceso universal a asistencia sanitaria de calidad, tomando en cuenta las políticas laborales, ambientales y de seguridad social, y aumentaremos el gasto público en
4
salud, como mínimo a un 5% del PIB para 2015, de manera de tratar los desafíos relacionados con la salud que enfrentan nuestros pueblos.
17. Si bien la región ha dado grandes pasos en materia de reducción de la mortalidad infantil, de niños menores de 5 años, la mortalidad neonatal no ha decrecido de la misma forma. Apelamos a la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (PAHO), para que continúe asistiendo a los países en el tratamiento de este problema, mediante la ejecución del Plan de Acción Estratégico Regional, basado en el Consenso Estratégico entre Agencias para Reducir la Mortalidad y la Morbilidad Neonatal en América Latina y el Caribe.
18. Estamos convencidos de que la carga que representan las enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) puede ser reducida, mediante estrategias preventivas y de control, amplias e integradas, a nivel individual, familiar, comunitario, nacional y regional, así como a través de programas, asociaciones y políticas de colaboración, con el apoyo de los gobiernos, el sector privado, los medios de comunicación, ONGs y socios regionales e internacionales pertinentes. Por consiguiente, reiteramos nuestro apoyo a la Estrategia Regional de un Enfoque Integrado sobre la Prevención y Control de Enfermedades Crónicas, de la PAHO/OMS, que incluye régimen alimentario, actividad física y sanidad.
19. Instruimos a nuestros Ministros de Salud, para que con el apoyo de la PAHO/OMS, establezcan, para 2015, sistemas de vigilancia de ENTs y sus factores de riesgo, como parte integrante de sus sistemas públicos nacionales de vigilancia sanitaria. Propiciamos el establecimiento de Comisiones Nacionales de enfermedades no transmisibles, para planificar y coordinar la prevención completa y estrategias de control.
20. Nos comprometemos a mejorar los servicios de salud reproductiva, los servicios de salud mental, la asistencia sanitaria con base en la comunidad, la introducción de enfoques de prevención con buena relación de costo/eficacia, para permitir la detección precoz de la enfermedad y proporcionar medicinas esenciales, especialmente a los más necesitados.
21. Asimismo, nos comprometemos a tomar las medidas necesarias para aumentar los niveles de nutrición de todos los pueblos de la Américas para 2015 y a aplicar en su totalidad la Estrategia Regional de Nutrición en la Salud y el Desarrollo, 2006-2015, coordinada por la PAHO.
22. A fin de tratar la propagación de enfermedades transportadas por vector, en especial el dengue, nos comprometemos a implementar las Regulaciones Sanitarias Internacionales (2005) y recurrimos a la PAHO para que prepare para fines de 2009, un plan de contingencia regional, que contenga las nuevas directrices expuestas en las RSI.
23. Estamos comprometidos con la meta de detener y revertir para 2015 la propagación del HIV/SIDA y de otras infecciones transmitidas sexualmente (ITS), proporcionando a hombres y mujeres acceso universal a la prevención, asistencia, tratamiento y apoyo. Implementaremos una estrategia regional para proporcionar dicho acceso, bajo la coordinación de la OMS y la PAHO. También nos comprometemos a reducir la incidencia de la transmisión del HIV de madre a hijo a menos del 5%, para 2015. Reiteramos nuestro compromiso de reforzar y proporcionar financiamiento adecuado al fondo Mundial de Lucha contra el SIDA; la Tuberculosis y la Malaria.
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24. Afirmamos que la igualdad de acceso a una educación de calidad, adaptada a las realidades locales y mundiales, es uno de los derechos humanos, un bien público y una prioridad política. El mejoramiento de la atención y educación temprana de la niñez, la educación primaria y la capacitación de maestros constituyen enfoques esenciales para alcanzar, en 2010, una educación primaria universal.
25. Reafirmamos nuestro compromiso de lograr una tasa de matrícula de educación secundaria de por lo menos 75% para el año 2010, y hacemos un llamado a los Ministros de Educación y a la OEA para que, con el apoyo de instituciones regionales especializadas y la UNESCO, desarrollen una estrategia hemisférica sensible al género para reformar la educación secundaria y lograr que en 2015, sea accesible a todos nuestros niños, especialmente a aquellos provenientes de grupos marginalizados. Esa estrategia debe incluir la reforma de los curricula, en función de los principios de equidad, calidad, pertinencia y eficiencia en educación, tomando en cuenta la diversidad cultural, lingüística y étnica, y estimulando la innovación y la creatividad.
26. Reconociendo que la educación es un proceso de toda la vida, que promueve la inclusión social y les permite a las personas contribuir más plenamente con sus sociedades, le damos alta prioridad al mejoramiento de la calidad de la educación terciaria, vocacional y de adultos, así como al acceso a la misma, en especial para las mujeres, los habitantes rurales y los discapacitados, los afro-descendientes y pueblos indígenas. Por lo tanto, nos comprometemos a aumentar la tasa de participación terciaria a un mínimo de 40% en el año 2020 y exhortamos a los países que ya hayan hecho progresos considerables en ese campo, a que comuniquen las buenas prácticas que permitirán apoyar los esfuerzos de otros países para lograr ese objetivo. También nos comprometemos a apoyar el desarrollo profesional permanente de los docentes.
27. Seguiremos invirtiendo en nuestros jóvenes y adoptaremos políticas y programas que amplíen las oportunidades económicas, aumenten su participación social, abran caminos hacia el liderazgo, permitan una participación significativa en las actividades de toma de decisiones, e incrementen la calidad y cobertura de los servicios sociales dirigidos a mejorar sus vidas y promover estilos de vida saludables. En consecuencia, reafirmamos nuestro compromiso con la Declaración de Medellín sobre la Juventud y los Valores Democráticos.
28. Es esencial reducir la brecha tecnológica entre las naciones de las Américas, así como dentro de ellas. Por lo tanto, renovamos nuestro compromiso de colaborar con las agencias regionales, subregionales y multinacionales para progresar en la implementación de iniciativas, conforme a la Agenda de Conectividad para las Américas y el Plan de Acción de Quito. Instruimos a nuestros Ministros y Autoridades de Alto nivel, responsables de la Tecnología de la Información y la Comunicación, que promuevan el uso significativo de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC), en nuestros sistemas educativos y nuestros sectores públicos y empresariales y amplíen el acceso a las mismas a los hogares y comunidades.
29. Reconocemos que el diálogo intercultural y el respeto de la diversidad cultural promueven la comprensión mutua y la convergencia, que ayudan a reducir los conflictos, la discriminación y las barreras para acceder a las oportunidades económicas y la participación social. Nos comprometemos a alimentar la creatividad y promover industrias culturales, como parte de nuestras políticas de promoción del desarrollo social, el crecimiento económico sano y
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sostenible, la creación de empleos y la generación de ingresos, especialmente para los adultos jóvenes.
Promover la seguridad energética
30. Desarrollaremos sistemas de energía limpios, accesibles y sostenibles, reduciendo de la intensidad la energía y el carbono en nuestras economías, promoviendo la eficiencia energética en todos los sectores, diversificando nuestra energía mediante el desarrollo de fuentes bajas en carbono y renovables, y estimulando el uso más limpio y eficiente de combustibles fósiles. Nos comprometemos a aumentar el aporte de fuentes de energía renovables y bajas en carbono, para lograr que en el año 2050, a más tardar, se logre cubrir con ellas por lo menos el 50 por ciento de nuestras demandas de energía, e introduciremos, si fuera necesario, nuevas estructuras financieras y de políticas para facilitar y acelerar ese proceso.
31. También nos comprometemos a mejorar la eficiencia y la conservación de la energía, especialmente en nuestros sistemas de transporte y en los sectores industriales, entre las pequeñas y medianas empresas y a nivel de los hogares, de manera de promover patrones de producción y consumo más sostenibles.
32. Además, promoveremos la diversificación de las tecnologías energéticas, los suministros de infraestructura y rutas, y facilitaremos el acceso no discriminatorio a terceras partes a la infraestructura de tránsito de energía, para estimular el desarrollo de mercados energéticos transparentes, eficientes y ordenados. Nos comprometemos a hacer que, a fines de 2012, todos los requerimientos pertinentes de planificación, así como reglamentarios, sean más sencillos, más coherentes, transparentes y efectivos.
33. Reconocemos el potencial de las nuevas tecnologías emergentes para diversificar la matriz de energía, estimularemos el desarrollo, la fabricación y utilización tanto de los combustibles biológicos actuales, como de los de la próxima generación, incluyendo los derivados del azúcar, los combustibles biológicos celulósicos, en base a algas y bacterias, y desarrollaremos un conjunto de especificaciones compatibles para el fin de 2015, de manera de facilitar su comercialización y utilización creciente, tomando en cuenta las normas existentes y planificadas. Desarrollaremos estrategias para el cultivo y la producción sostenibles de biomasa, tomando en consideración la necesidad de asegurar la seguridad alimentaria para fines de 2012, a más tardar; desarrollaremos una estrategia para biocombustibles de una segunda generación y más avanzados, de manera que no compitan directamente con otros productos agrícolas por la tierra, el agua o los fertilizantes. También apoyaremos el desarrollo y utilización de turbinas eólicas en tierra y mar adentro, las celdas fotovoltaicas convencionales y poliméricas, las torres solares, la energía geotérmica e hidroeléctrica, las celdas de combustible de hidrógeno y otras nuevas tecnologías energéticas.
34. Muchas de las fuentes de energía renovables son intermitentes, o sólo están disponibles en lugares específicos. Por lo tanto, desarrollaremos e invertiremos en nuevas infraestructuras energéticas, apoyaremos el desarrollo de la generación transfronteriza de energía eficiente y baja en carbono, así como de rejillas de distribución y otras redes de comercialización de energía y cooperación. Cooperaremos para mejorar la protección, seguridad y estabilidad de nuestra infraestructura crítica de energía y nuestras redes de abastecimiento, así como para
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garantizar que todas las conexiones de la cadena de abastecimiento de energía operen con los más altos estándares de seguridad y protección de las personas, protección del medio ambiente y seguridad física.
35. Nos comprometemos a promover una energía limpia, mediante la investigación y el desarrollo, la transferencia de tecnologías ambientalmente saludables y la comercialización de nuevas soluciones de energía más limpia. Le daremos prioridad a aumentar la cooperación internacional y el intercambio de información, en búsqueda de soluciones que sean beneficiosas para todas nuestras naciones.
36. Desarrollaremos una conciencia creciente en el público, en lo referente a los temas energéticos y ambientales, y nos comprometemos a garantizar que, para 2012, las personas de la Américas tengan acceso universal a información precisa, confiable e imparcial sobre temas relacionados con la energía, el medio ambiente y el cambio climático.
37. Reconocemos que los temas de la disponibilidad, el costo y la seguridad del abastecimiento de energía, de nuestra competitividad económica y la sostenibilidad de nuestro ambiente, están estrechamente entrelazados, nos comprometemos a desarrollar un marco político coherente, que tome en consideración nuestras variadas situaciones, circunstancias y oportunidades y que permita simultáneamente la consolidación y diversificación de nuestras economías.
38. Por lo tanto, instruimos a nuestros Ministros responsables de la energía, la planificación, la regulación y las finanzas, para que en el marco de la AIA y la Alianza para Energía sostenible en las Américas (AESA), con el apoyo y la guía del BID y el Banco Mundial, y tomando en cuenta las diferentes condiciones, oportunidades, marcos legislativos y reglamentarios de los distintos países de las Américas y trabajando a partir de las iniciativas existentes de cooperación energética e integración, desarrollen una estrategia de cooperación entre nuestras naciones, las organizaciones internacionales y el sector privado, con el fin de aumentar la eficiencia energética, diversificar las fuentes de energía, minimizar el impacto ambiental, reforzar la independencia energética y asegurar el acceso a abastecimientos de energía seguros y a precios accesibles, especialmente para los más pobres. Asimismo, instruiremos a nuestros Ministros para que desarrollen esta estrategia, a más tardar en 2011.
Promover la sostenibilidad ambiental
39. Todo desarrollo social y económico depende de la conservación y la protección del medio ambiente. Por consiguiente, reiteramos nuestro firme compromiso con el desarrollo sostenible, tal como se ha declarado en las Cumbres de Desarrollo Sostenible de Río, en 1992, y de Johannesburgo, en 2002, la Declaración de Santa Cruz de la Sierra de 1996, la Declaración de Santa Cruz + 10 de 2006, y las Metas de Desarrollo del Milenio de las Naciones Unidas.
40. Nos comprometemos a dar todos los pasos que sean necesarios para asegurar una eventual estabilización de las concentraciones de gas de invernadero en la atmósfera, manteniéndolas a un nivel que no conduzca a riesgos de cambios graves en el clima terrestre y en los sistemas del mismo.
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41. Fortaleceremos nuestros mecanismos de intercambio de información sobre la alerta temprana de desastres naturales, la planificación y preparación frente a los mismos, el manejo y la coordinación de la respuesta, y los programas de alivio luego de un desastre.
42. Instruimos a los Ministros y las Autoridades de Alto Nivel a cargo del Desarrollo sostenible, que en colaboración con organizaciones nacionales y regionales especializadas en desastres, desarrollen para 2011, un sistema de cooperación dentro de las Américas, mediante el cual se pueda colaborar, compartir información y determinar cuales zonas de asentamientos humanos, sectores industriales esenciales e infraestructura de transporte están en riesgo, para luego asegurar que estén protegidas o bien reubicadas.
43. Incorporaremos fuertes medidas de planificación y zonificación, de manera de asegurar que cualquier desarrollo futuro, ya sea residencial, comercial o industrial, no esté ubicado en zonas vulnerables, y facilitaremos un mejor acceso a la educación, la capacitación, los créditos agrícolas e hipotecarios, para garantizar que la gente pobre no quede atrapada en áreas vulnerables por temor a perder sus medios de subsistencia.
44. También trabajaremos en aras de promover una gobernabilidad ambiental sana, mediante el refuerzo de las leyes ambientales nacionales y creando capacidad institucional para la gestión de los recursos ambientales, de acuerdo a nuestras prioridades de desarrollo sostenible.
45. También apoyaremos el diálogo más amplio y la cooperación, de conformidad con el Convenio Marco de las Naciones Unidas sobre Cambio Climático (UNFCCC), incluyendo los compromisos de acciones de cooperación a largo plazo establecidos en Montreal en 2005 y en el Mapa de Ruta de Bali en 2008, y nos comprometemos a trabajar para lograr un acuerdo mundial en la Reunión de Copenhague de la UNFCCC, en 2009.
46. Renovamos nuestro apoyo al Programa Interamericano de Desarrollo Sustentable (PIDS) e instruimos a nuestros Ministros y a todas las autoridades a cargo del desarrollo sustentable, que se reúnan en 2010, bajo los auspicios de la OEA, en colaboración con la PAHO e instituciones internacionales de financiamiento y desarrollo preocupadas por el desarrollo sustentable, y con la participación de la comunidad académica y la sociedad civil, con el fin de evaluar los logros del Programa hasta la fecha y proponer, si cabe, nuevas metas para un PIDS renovado, poniendo especial énfasis en la gestión integrada de los recursos acuíferos, tanto nacionales como compartidos, la prevención y mitigación de los desastres, la administración de bosques y zonas de pesca, la gestión agrícola sostenible y el desarrollo rural, la protección de ecosistemas y de la biodiversidad, la gestión de los recursos naturales, el manejo ambiental urbano y el tratamiento de desechos peligrosos. Le brindaremos especial atención a las áreas más vulnerables, incluyendo las regiones costeras de baja altura y los pequeños estados isleños en desarrollo.
47. También les solicitamos a los Ministros y otras autoridades responsables del desarrollo sostenible, que en conjunción con el Banco Mundial y el BID, trabajen para 2011, bajo los auspicios de la OEA, en la realización de una revisión completa de los impactos potenciales que tendría el cambio climático en cada una de las naciones de las Américas, y que formulen Planes de Acción nacionales para el manejo y la mitigación de dichos impactos, brindándole especial atención a las necesidades de las personas que podrían ser desplazadas o perder sus medios de subsistencia. Les Instruimos, además, que cada una de esas revisiones nacionales
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sea utilizada como un aporte al desarrollo de una Estrategia Regional para el Manejo de los Impactos del Cambio Climático, a ser formulada conjuntamente con el Banco Mundial y el BID para 2013.
Reforzar la seguridad pública
48. Estamos decididos a perseverar en nuestros esfuerzos para prevenir y combatir el terrorismo y el crimen organizado, en total acatamiento de las leyes internacionales, incluyendo la referida a los derechos humanos, los refugiados y la ley humanitaria internacional. Instruimos a todos los Ministros a cargo de la seguridad, la policía, los servicios de inteligencia y las fuerzas armadas, para que en el marco de la OEA y en forma bilateral, sigan cooperando y aprovechen los recursos colectivos, con el fin de prevenir que organizaciones terroristas y criminales crucen las fronteras y adquieran armas, así como prevenir y combatir el terrorismo y el crimen organizado.
49. Le negaremos cualquier recurso a terroristas y criminales y combinaremos nuestros esfuerzos para identificar, seguir, incautar y congelar activos asociados con el terrorismo y el crimen organizado, de acuerdo a la legislación nacional y en coherencia con la ley internacional.
50. Le solicitamos a la OEA que, a través de la Secretaría para la Seguridad Multidimensional, continúe con la preparación de una reunión de expertos y autoridades de alto nivel, para formular un enfoque común de las materias relacionadas con el crimen y la violencia, y concebir una estrategia regional que propicie la cooperación interamericana, con el fin de abordar el tema de las bandas criminales, dándole especial atención a los jóvenes.
Reforzar la gobernabilidad democrática
51. Todas nuestras aspiraciones y metas para las Américas dependen de democracias fuertes y de una buena gobernabilidad, el imperio de la ley y el respeto de los derechos humanos y las libertades fundamentales. Por lo tanto, renovamos nuestro compromiso de reforzar nuestras instituciones democráticas y de sostener los principios y valores de la Carta Democrática Interamericana.
52. Comprometidos en aumentar la transparencia, la integridad, la rendición de cuentas y la eficiencia en el sector público y el privado, reforzaremos nuestra lucha contra todas las formas de corrupción y de conducta no ética. Renovamos nuestro compromiso con la Convención Interamericana contra la Corrupción y desarrollaremos y aplicaremos políticas que fomenten una cultura de integridad y transparencia entre los ciudadanos y los funcionarios públicos y dentro de las oficinas públicas e instituciones.
53. Reafirmamos nuestro compromiso con la defensa, protección y promoción de los derechos humanos, así como con la independencia y la consolidación del Sistema Interamericano de Derechos Humanos.
54. La Carta Social de las Américas y su Plan de Acción le brindará a nuestros ciudadanos más oportunidades de disfrutar de un desarrollo sostenible con equidad e inclusión social. Por
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consiguiente, nos comprometemos a concluir y adoptar esos documentos antes de que termine el año 2009.
55. También reafirmamos, que cualquier tipo de discriminación inhibe la plena participación de todas las personas en la sociedad, y continuaremos hasta concluir las negociaciones relacionadas con la Convención Interamericana Contra el Racismo y todas las formas de Discriminación e Intolerancia. Asimismo, seguiremos desarrollando la Declaración Americana de los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas.
56. Nos comprometemos a seguir incorporando el género en nuestras políticas públicas y a reforzar los mecanismos institucionales para el progreso de las jóvenes y las mujeres. Fomentaremos la participación plena e igualitaria de la mujer en la vida política de nuestros países y en la toma de decisiones, a todos los niveles, y promulgaremos leyes que promuevan el respeto de los derechos humanos, al igual que la equidad y la paridad en relación al género.
57. Reconocemos el papel importante que representa la OEA en la solución pacífica de nuestras diferencias y el apoyo de los objetivos de la Carta Democrática Interamericana. Nos comprometemos a mejorar la capacidad de la OEA, en sus esfuerzos por ayudar al mejoramiento de la paz y la estabilidad democrática, social y económica de nuestra región.
Reforzar el seguimiento de la cumbre y la efectividad de la implementación
58. Reconocemos que los temas de prosperidad humana, seguridad energética y seguridad ambiental están estrechamente entrelazados y que, para cumplir con los compromisos con las personas del hemisferio que hemos formulado aquí, es esencial tener un marco político integrado y coherente.
59. A fin de reforzar la participación ministerial en el proceso de Cumbres, mejorar la implementación de las decisiones que tomamos en esta Quinta Cumbre e incrementar nuestra responsabilidad financiera ante los pueblos de las Américas, instruimos a las secretarías técnicas de todas las Reuniones Ministeriales que informen a sus Ministros y Autoridades de Alto Nivel de los mandatos de esta Cumbre e inicien acciones estratégicas a fines de 2009, de manera de facilitar la ejecución de nuestros compromisos. Nos comprometemos, además, a convocar la Cumbre de las Américas con regularidad y al menos cada tres años.
60. Instruimos a la Secretaría General de la OEA, dado el papel central que desempeña en la ejecución de los mandatos de la Cumbre, que le proporcione, anualmente, al Grupo de Revisión de la Implementación de la Cumbre (GRIC), un informe completo acerca de las acciones y progresos realizados en todas las Reuniones ministeriales y por las instituciones de las Naciones Unidas y el Sistema Interamericano, dirigidos a cumplir con los objetivos específicos establecidos en la Cumbre.
61. Le solicitamos a los Ministros de Finanzas que, en colaboración con instituciones financieras multilaterales, convoquen una reunión durante el primer trimestre de 2010, para asegurar que haya recursos de cooperación técnica disponibles para financiar los diversos elementos de las iniciativas interamericanas acordadas en este documento.
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62. Reiteramos el llamado que se hizo a los Ministros de Finanzas en la Tercera Cumbre de las Américas, en la ciudad de Québec, para que incrementen su implicación en el proceso de la Cumbre de las Américas; también se les instruyó que exploraran formas de consolidar, a nivel nacional, las alianzas estratégicas, entre todos los Ministerios, incluyendo a los responsables de la educación, la salud, el trabajo, el desarrollo social, la juventud, la información y comunicación, la agricultura, la energía, el medio ambiente, la criminalidad y la seguridad..
63. Le hacemos asimismo un llamado a las instituciones del Grupo de Trabajo Conjunto de la Cumbre, para que sigan consolidando su compromiso y desarrollen programas de acción coordinados, con el fin de lograr las metas para las Américas expresadas en esta Declaración.
64. Nos comprometemos a propiciar la participación de la sociedad civil en el diseño y ejecución de políticas y programas de desarrollo proporcionando asistencia técnica y financiera para reforzar y desarrollar su capacidad de participar más plenamente en el Sistema Interamericano.
65. Nos comprometemos también a seguir explorando formas que les permitan a nuestros gobiernos establecer, reforzar y mantener alianzas con el sector empresarial, y aprovechar la experiencia y los recursos existentes en ese sector, con el fin de desarrollar e implementar intervenciones efectivas, prácticas y sostenibles para lograr nuestras metas de desarrollo nacionales y hemisféricas.
66. Nosotros, Jefes de Estado y de Gobierno de las Américas, convenimos que este documento debe darse a conocer como “Declaración de Compromiso de Puerto España”, y así lo aprobamos en fecha del 19 de abril del año 2009.

2009-01-05T21:50:00.000-08:00

SUMMIT IMPLEMENTATION REVIEW GROUP (SIRG) OEA/Ser.E
GRIC/DC-V/doc.1/08
21 July 2008
Original: English
Fifth Summit of the Americas
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
April 19, 2009
Draft Declaration of Commitment
‘Securing Our Citizens’ Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security
and Environmental Sustainability’
1. Guided by a renewed spirit of regional cooperation, integration and solidarity, we, the Heads of State and Government of the democratic countries of the Americas, have gathered in Port of Spain, at the Fifth Summit of the Americas, with a firm commitment to improve the well-being of all our people by advancing collective solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our Hemisphere. We reiterate our will to strengthen national and hemispheric efforts to create conditions for greater peace, security and prosperity for all the peoples of the Americas.
2. In accordance with the principles and values of the Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS), the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, we are determined to continue our fight against poverty, hunger, social exclusion, discrimination and inequality which afflict the lives and erode the hopes of so many in our Hemisphere.
3. We, therefore, renew our commitment, to all the peoples of the Americas, to improve the quality of their lives by adopting and implementing an Inter-American strategy of collaboration, with the support of the institutions of the United Nations and the Inter-American System, to complement all our nations’ efforts to foster greater opportunities for decent employment, to improve health, wellness and nutrition, to increase access to quality education, to ensure adequate and sustainable energy, and to manage our environment responsibly.
4. We affirm that these issues are closely inter-dependent with our efforts to build stronger democratic institutions, promote good governance and social inclusion, uphold the rule of law, increase access to justice, protect human rights, combat violence, crime and terrorism, and achieve broader civic participation of all citizens of the Inter-American Community.
Promoting Human Prosperity
5. Deep and persistent inequalities continue to exist, especially in education, income levels, health and nutritional status, exposure to violence and crime, and access to basic services. In response, we will continue to develop and implement social protection programmes that are specifically targeted to the poor and vulnerable groups in our societies, in order to ensure equal access for all men and women to basic social services such as water, housing, healthcare, food and sanitation.
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6. We commit to exchange information on policies, experiences and good practices in order to support our national efforts to reduce social disparities and inequality, and halve poverty by the year 2015. We request the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to coordinate the process of reviewing and consolidating all existing social protection and poverty eradication programmes by the end of 2010, in collaboration with the Ministers responsible for Finance, Planning and Development, as well as other regional and sub-regional financial and development institutions, in order to increase efficiency, reduce duplication, identify gaps and optimise the use of resources.
7. We recognize that to eliminate poverty and hunger, create jobs, and raise the standard of living of all our people, we must achieve higher levels of continuous economic growth with equity. We also recognize the positive contribution of open trade policies in the promotion of growth, employment and development. We, therefore, commit to continue implementing sound macro-economic policies that are characterized by appropriate and transparent fiscal and monetary measures, prudent public expenditures, higher domestic savings and high growth rates. We will also continue to promote private sector development, diversify economic activity, improve competitiveness and strengthen economic integration. We are committed to boosting investment in energy, transport and communications infrastructure to attract additional private investment and promote business development.
8. In accordance with the Decent Work in the Americas: An Agenda for the Hemisphere (2006-2015), we will continue to facilitate and encourage the creation of more decent and productive employment opportunities in the formal sector. We instruct the Ministers of Labour, within the context of the OAS Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour, in collaboration with the unions and the employers’ organizations and with the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to develop a coordinated plan to continue to address the objectives of the Agenda by the end of 2010.
9. With the support of the ILO and in accordance with the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, we will adopt the necessary policies and regulations to facilitate and promote the movement of enterprises and workers from the informal to the formal sector. We also reaffirm that all migrants regardless of their immigration status, should be accorded the full protection of human rights and the full observance of labour laws applicable to them.
10. We reiterate our commitment to protect women and children from economic exploitation and we call on the Ministers responsible for Education, Labour and Social Development to adopt coordinated national strategies to prevent and eradicate child labour by 2020 according to the Decent Work Agenda, and develop innovative strategies to bring children back into healthy learning environments. We also reiterate our commitment to eliminate forced labour before 2010.
11. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are fundamental to economic growth, employment creation and poverty reduction. We call on the World Bank, IDB and other regional banks to accelerate their efforts to promote private sector expansion and development by doubling lending to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and tripling the numbers of enterprises accessing credit by 2012.
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12. We will work towards eliminating administrative and bureaucratic barriers to the creation of new enterprises. We will, therefore, adopt the necessary reforms to simplify the processes involved in starting and closing business ventures, and commit to reducing business start-up time to a maximum of 30 days by 2012. We call on the IDB and the World Bank to support national efforts to improve the legislative frameworks and administrative procedures for achieving this target.
13. In order to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, we commit to increasing investment in research and development to a minimum of 1% of GDP by 2015 and to strengthening the linkages among universities, science institutions, the private sector, multilateral agencies and workers. We will also develop, harmonise and enforce intellectual property laws and regulations in order to safeguard works of innovation and creativity.
14. Feeding our people is now the most immediate challenge confronting our Hemisphere and, indeed, the world. We, therefore, commit to taking an active role, working in partnership with the international community, to develop and implement comprehensive policies and programmes to resolve this challenge. We reaffirm our commitment to the 2008 Rome Declaration on World Food Security, to the objectives of the World Food Summit and to the Millennium Development Goal to halve the number of undernourished people by 2015.
15. We commit to developing new national and regional approaches under AGRO Plan 2015 and instruct Ministers of Agriculture to adopt strategic actions to facilitate the implementation of this Plan based on the consensus of their 2007 Hemispheric Meeting in Guatemala.
16. We recognize that the problems of inequality of access and exclusion from basic health services persist, especially among the most vulnerable, including women, children, indigenous peoples and the poor. We, therefore, commit to providing essential social protection and universal access to quality healthcare, taking into account labour, environment, gender and social security policies, and will increase public spending on health to at least 5% of GDP by 2015 in order to address the health challenges faced by our people.
17. While the region has made strides in reducing mortality in infants and children under 5 years, neonatal mortality has not decreased at the same rate. We call on the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to continue to assist countries in addressing this problem through the implementation of the Regional Strategic Plan of Action based on the Interagency Strategic Consensus on Reducing Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity in Latin America and the Caribbean.
18. We are convinced that the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) can be reduced by comprehensive and integrated preventive and control strategies at the individual, family, community, national and regional levels and through collaborative programmes, partnerships and policies supported by governments, the private sector, the media, NGOs and relevant regional and international partners. We, therefore, reiterate our support for the PAHO/WHO Regional Strategy on an Integrated Approach to the Prevention and Control of Chronic Diseases Including Diet, Physical Activity, and Health.
19. We instruct our Ministers of Health, with the support of PAHO/WHO, to establish surveillance systems by 2015 for NCDs and their risk factors, as part of our national public health
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surveillance systems. We encourage the establishment of National Commissions on non-communicable diseases to plan and coordinate comprehensive prevention and control strategies.
20. We commit to improving reproductive health, mental health services, community-based health care; the introduction of cost effective prevention approaches; broader screening to permit early detection of disease; and the provision of essential medicines especially to the most needy.
21. In addition, we commit to taking the necessary actions to improve the nutritional levels of all the people in the Americas by 2015 and to the full implementation of the Regional Strategy on Nutrition and Health Development 2006-2015, coordinated by PAHO.
22. In order to address the spread of vector borne diseases, especially dengue, we commit to the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) and call on PAHO to prepare a regional contingency plan that contains the new guidelines as set forth in the IHR by the end of 2009.
23. We are committed to the goal of halting and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) by 2015 by providing universal access for men and women to prevention, care, treatment and support. We will implement a regional strategy to provide such access under the coordination of the WHO and PAHO. We also commit to reducing the incidence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV to less than 5% by 2015. We reiterate our commitment to strengthening and providing adequate financing to the Global Fund to Combat AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
24. We affirm that equal access to quality education, adapted to local and global realities, is a human right, a public good and a political priority. Improving early childhood care and education, primary education and teacher training are essential approaches to achieving universal primary education by 2010.
25. We reaffirm our commitment to achieving a secondary education enrollment rate of at least 75% by the year 2010 and we now call on the Ministers of Education and the OAS, with the support of the specialised regional institutions and UNESCO, to develop a gender-sensitive hemispheric strategy to reform secondary education and make it accessible to all our children, especially those from marginalised groups, by 2015. This strategy must include reform of curricula based on the principles of equity, quality, relevance and efficiency in education, take into account cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity, and encourage innovation and creativity.
26. Recognising that education is a lifelong process that promotes social inclusion and allows people to contribute more fully to their societies, we give high priority to improving the quality of, and access to, tertiary, vocational and adult education, especially for women, rural inhabitants, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants and indigenous peoples. We, therefore, commit to increasing the tertiary participation rate to a minimum of 40 per cent by 2020, and urge countries which have already made considerable advances in this area, to exchange good practices that will support the efforts of other countries to achieve this target. We also commit to support the ongoing professional development of teachers.
27. We will continue to invest in our young people and adopt policies and programmes that will expand their economic opportunities, increase their social engagement, open avenues for
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leadership, allow for meaningful participation in decision-making activities, and increase the quality and coverage of social services aimed at improving their lives and promoting healthy lifestyles. We, therefore, reaffirm our commitment to the 2008 Declaration of Medellín on Youth and Democratic Values.
28. It is essential that the technological gap, both among and within the nations of the Americas, be reduced. We, therefore, renew our commitment to collaborate with regional, sub-regional and multinational agencies to advance progress in the implementation of initiatives under the Agenda for Connectivity in the Americas and the Plan of Action of Quito. We instruct our Ministers and High Level Authorities with responsibility for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to promote the use of ICTs in our education systems and our public and business sectors, and to widen access for households and communities.
29. We recognise that inter-cultural dialogue and respect for cultural diversity promote mutual understanding and convergence, which help reduce conflict, discrimination and the barriers to economic opportunity and social participation. We commit to nurturing creativity and promoting cultural industries as part of our policies for the promotion of social development, sustainable economic growth, job creation and income generation, especially for young adults.
Promoting Energy Security
30. We will develop clean, affordable and sustainable energy systems by reducing the energy and carbon-intensity of our economies, promoting energy efficiency in all sectors, diversifying our energy by developing low-carbon and renewable sources, and encouraging the cleaner, more efficient use of fossil fuels. We commit to increase the contribution of renewable and low-carbon energy sources to meet a minimum of 50 per cent of our national primary energy demands by 2050 at the latest and will introduce, as necessary, new financing and policy frameworks in order to facilitate and accelerate this process.
31. We also commit to enhancing energy efficiency and conservation, especially in our transport systems and industrial sectors, among small and medium-sized enterprises and at the household level in order to promote more sustainable patterns of production and consumption. We encourage the introduction of minimum efficiency requirements and harmonised ratings systems for both domestic and industrial appliances. We will review building codes and raise the standards for energy efficiency, and develop urban planning guidelines to encourage more energy-efficient cities.
32. We will further promote diversification of energy technologies, infrastructure, supplies and routes, and facilitate non-discriminatory third-party access to transit infrastructure to encourage the development of transparent, efficient and orderly energy markets. We commit to making all relevant planning and regulatory requirements simpler, more coherent, transparent and effective by the end of 2012.
33. Recognising the potential of new and emerging technologies for diversifying the energy matrix, we will encourage the development, manufacture and use of both current and next-generation biofuels including sugar-based, cellulosic, algal and bacterial biofuels, an d will develop a set of compatible specifications by the end of 2015 in order to facilitate their trade and increased use,
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taking into account existing and planned standards. We will develop strategies for sustainable biomass cultivation and production, with particular regard to the need to ensure food security and, by the end of 2012 at the latest, develop a strategy for second-generation and more advanced biofuels that will ensure that they do not compete directly with other agricultural crops for land, water or fertilizer. We will also support the development and use of on and off-shore wind turbines, conventional and polymer photovoltaics, solar towers, geothermal and hydropower, hydrogen fuel cells and other new energy technologies.
34. Many renewable sources of energy are intermittent or only available in particular locations. We will, therefore, develop and invest in new energy infrastructures, support the development of cross-border, efficient low-carbon energy generation and distribution grids and other energy-trading and cooperation networks. We will cooperate to improve the security, safety and stability of our critical energy infrastructure and supply networks and to ensure that all links in the energy supply chain operate to the highest standards of human health and safety, environmental protection and physical security.
35. We commit to the promotion of clean energy through research and development, the transfer of environmentally sound technologies, and the commercialization of new, cleaner energy solutions. Priority will be given to increasing international cooperation and sharing information in the search for solutions that can benefit all our nations.
36. We will increase public awareness on energy and environmental issues and commit to ensuring, by 2012, that the people of the Americas have universal access to accurate, reliable and impartial information on energy, environmental and climate change issues.
37. Recognizing that the issues of the availability, cost and security of our energy supplies, our economic competitiveness and the sustainability of our environment are closely intertwined, we commit to the development of a coherent policy framework that takes into consideration our diverse situations, circumstances and opportunities and allows for the simultaneous strengthening and diversification of all our economies.
38. We, therefore, instruct all Ministers with responsibility for Energy, Planning, Regulation and Finance, within the framework of the OAS and the Sustainable Energy Partnership of the Americas (SEPA), with the support and guidance of the IDB and the World Bank, taking into account the diverse conditions, opportunities, legislative and regulatory frameworks in our countries, and building on existing energy cooperation and integration initiatives, to develop a strategy of cooperation among our nations, international organizations and the private sector that will increase energy efficiency, diversify energy sources, minimise environmental impact, strengthen energy independence, and secure access to safe, affordable energy supplies for all, especially the poorest. We further instruct our Ministers to develop this strategy by the end of 2011 at the latest.
Promoting Environmental Sustainability
39. All social and economic development depends on the conservation and protection of the environment. We, therefore, reaffirm our strong commitment to sustainable development, as set out in the World Summits on Sustainable Development in Rio in 1992 and Johannesburg in
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2002, the Declaration of Santa Cruz de la Sierra of 1996, the Declaration of Santa Cruz +10 of 2006, and the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations.
40. We commit to take the necessary steps to ensure the eventual stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will not incur a risk of serious changes in the Earth’s climate and weather systems.
41. We will strengthen our mechanisms for the sharing of early warning information on natural disasters, for disaster planning and preparedness, and for managing and coordinating response and relief programmes following a disaster.
42. We instruct Ministers and High Level Authorities responsible for Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the specialised national and regional disaster organizations, to develop, by 2011, a cooperation system within the Americas through which they can collaborate, share information, develop models of good practice, and ascertain which areas of human settlement and sections of essential industrial and transport infrastructure are at risk, and to then ensure that they are either protected or relocated.
43. We will introduce stronger planning and zoning measures to ensure that any future residential, commercial or industrial developments are not located in vulnerable areas, and we will facilitate better access to education, training, land, credit, and housing to ensure that poor people are not trapped in vulnerable areas by the fear of losing their livelihoods.
44. We will also work towards promoting sound environmental governance by strengthening national environmental laws and building institutional capacity to manage environmental resources in accordance with our sustainable development priorities.
45. We also support further dialogue and cooperation under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including the commitments on long-term cooperative action established in Montreal in 2005 and in the Bali Road Map of 2008, and commit to work towards a global agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Copenhagen in 2009.
46. We renew our support for the Inter-American Programme for Sustainable Development (IAPSD) and instruct the Ministers and all other authorities responsible for sustainable development to gather in 2010, under the auspices of the OAS, in collaboration with the PAHO and the international financial and development institutions concerned with sustainable development, and with the participation of the academic community and civil society, to assess the achievements of the Programme to date, and to propose, where appropriate, new goals for a renewed IAPSD, with a particular focus on the integrated management of both domestic and shared water resources, prevention and mitigation of disasters, forest and fisheries management, sustainable agricultural management and rural development, ecosystem and biodiversity protection, natural resources management, urban environmental management and the treatment of hazardous wastes. We will give special attention to the most vulnerable areas, including low-lying coastal regions and small island developing states.
47. We also direct the Ministers and all other authorities responsible for sustainable development, in conjunction with the World Bank and the IDB, working under the auspices of the OAS, to undertake a comprehensive review of the potential impacts of climate change for all the nations
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of the Americas by 2011, and to formulate national Plans of Action for the management and mitigation of these impacts, with special attention to the needs of people likely to be displaced or to lose their livelihoods. We further instruct that each of these national reviews be used to inform the development of a Regional Strategy for the Management of Climate Change Impacts, to be formulated jointly by the World Bank and the IDB by 2013.
Strengthening Public Security
48. We are determined to persevere in our efforts to prevent and combat terrorism and organised crime, in full compliance with our obligations under international law, including human rights, refugee and international humanitarian law. We, therefore, instruct all Ministers with responsibility for security, policing, intelligence and armed forces, within the framework of the OAS, to continue to cooperate and utilize our collective resources to prevent terrorists and criminal organizations from trespassing across borders and acquiring weapons, and to prevent and combat terrorism and organized crime.
49. We will deny any resources to terrorists and criminals and will combine our efforts to identify, track, seize or freeze assets associated with terrorism and organised crime, in accordance with national legislation and consistent with international law.
50. We direct the OAS, through the Secretariat for Multi-Dimensional Security, to continue in the preparation of a high level meeting of experts and authorities to develop a common approach to matters related to crime and violence and also to prepare a regional strategy to promote Inter-American cooperation in dealing with criminal gangs, giving special attention to young people.
Strengthening Democratic Governance
51. All of our aspirations and goals for the Americas depend on strong democracies, good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We, therefore, renew our commitment to strengthen our democratic institutions and uphold and apply the principles and values of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
52. Committed to increasing the transparency, integrity, accountability and efficiency in the public and private sectors, we will strengthen our fight against all forms of corruption and unethical behavior. We renew our commitment to the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption and will develop and implement policies that foster a culture of integrity and transparency among citizens and public officers, and within public offices and institutions.
53. We reaffirm our commitment to the defense, protection and promotion of human rights and to the independence and strengthening of the Inter-American System of Human Rights.
54. The Social Charter of the Americas and its Plan of Action will offer our citizens more opportunities to benefit from sustainable development with equity and social inclusion. We, therefore, commit to conclude and adopt these documents before the end of 2009.
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55. We also reaffirm that discrimination of any kind inhibits the full participation of all persons in society and will continue and conclude negotiations on the Inter-American Convention Against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance. We will also continue to develop the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
56. We commit to continue mainstreaming gender into our public policies and to strengthen the institutional mechanisms for the advancement of girls and women. We will advance women’s full and equal participation in political life and decision-making at all levels in their countries, and enforce laws that promote respect for their human rights, and gender equity and equality.
57. We recognise the important role of the OAS in the peaceful resolution of our differences and in support of the objectives of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. We commit to improve the capacity of the OAS in its efforts to assist in enhancing peace and the democratic, social and economic stability of our region.
Strengthening the Summit of the Americas, Follow-Up and Implementation Effectiveness
58. We recognise that the issues of human prosperity, energy security and environmental security are closely intertwined and that an integrated, coherent policy framework is essential to the achievement of the commitments we have made here to the people of our Hemisphere.
59. In order to strengthen Ministerial participation in the Summit Process, to improve the implementation of our decisions at this Fifth Summit, and to increase accountability to the people of the Americas, we instruct the technical secretariats of all Ministerial Meetings to inform their Ministers and High Level Authorities of the mandates of this Summit and initiate strategic actions, by the end of 2009, to facilitate the implementation of our commitments. We further commit to convening the Summit of the Americas on a regular basis and no later than every three years.
60. We instruct the General Secretariat of the OAS, in accordance with its central role in the implementation of Summit mandates, to provide a comprehensive report to the Summit Implementation Review Group (SIRG), annually, on the actions and progress made at all Ministerial Meetings and by the institutions of the United Nations and the Inter-American System, towards achieving the specific targets set at this Summit.
61. We direct the Ministers of Finance in collaboration with the multilateral financial institutions to convene a meeting, in the first quarter of 2010, to ensure that technical cooperation resources are available to finance the different elements of the Inter-American initiatives agreed in this document.
62. We reiterate the call, made at the Third Summit of the Americas in Quebec City, for Ministers of Finance to increase their involvement in the Summit of the Americas process and instruct them to explore ways to strengthen the strategic alliances, at the national level, among all Ministries, including those responsible for education, health, labour, social development, youth, information and communication, agriculture, energy, the environment, and crime and security.
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63. We also call upon the institutions of the Joint Summit Working Group to further strengthen their commitment and to develop coordinated programmes of action to deliver the goals for the Americas set out in this Declaration.
64. We commit to encouraging the participation of civil society in the design and execution of development policies and programmes by providing technical and financial assistance to strengthen and build their capacity to participate more fully in the Inter-American System.
65. We also commit to continue exploring ways in which our governments can build, strengthen and maintain alliances with the business sector and to harness the expertise and resources which exist within this sector, in order to develop and implement effective, practical and sustainable interventions to achieve our national and hemispheric development goals.
66. We, the Heads of State and Government of the Americas, agree that this document shall be known as the ‘Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain’, and we hereby approve it on this the 19th day of April, in the year 2009.