Changes in the environment contribute to the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in our hemisphere and around the world. We will also have to continue to examine how we can strengthen and reform hemispheric institutions. The OAS under the leadership of Secretary General Gaviria is already responding to a series of new mandates and challenges. These questions and others will be asked with increasing force in the months ahead. The role of other institutions in the inter-American system also requires attention.
Resources are of fundamental importance.
Both the OAS and the Summit process clearly require properly directed resources if they are to respond to the direction provided by the democratically-elected political leaders of the hemisphere. Governments have their role to play, but the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank should become increasingly more involved in the process of hemispheric integration. This is an ambitious agenda, even in outline. The development of specific themes for the next Summit will be our joint responsibility in the coming months. Together we must, and we will, develop a focused and forward-looking Plan of Action for the next Summit that will respond to the genuine needs and aspirations of the peoples of the Americas.