The choice of lTo current Colombian ambassador to Austria, Laura Gil, as the new deputy general secretary of the Organization of American States (OAS) It represents a diplomatic milestone, not only for the country, but for the OAS since it becomes the first woman who will take office.
Gil, whose candidacy appeared just five weeks ago, faced two other women: the Guatemalan Claudia Escobar and the Peruvian Ana María Sánchez, both ambassadors.
Laura Gil is elected Deputy General Secretary of the OAS for period 2025–2030. Photo:Foreign Ministry of Colombia
Initially, and after a first vote – which is secret – none of the candidates obtained the 18 votes necessary to choose: Gil obtained 13, compared to Sánchez’s 11 and 8 of Escobar.
Given the OAS regulation, A second vote was made between the top two where the Colombian ambassador finally reached the majority of 19 votes Against the 13 of the Peruvian.
The Colombian will assume the position For the 2025-2030 periodreplacing the Belizeño Néstor Méndez, whose mandate ends on July 16.
Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia celebrated the election of Laura Gil. Photo:OAS/ Foreign Ministry
When announcing the triumph, the present public stood up for a long congratulation applause for becoming the first wife in history to reach this position.
“It is an immense pride not only for me, but for Colombia,” said Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia, who traveled to Washington to push Gil’s candidacy. “This woman (who marks this milestone) is Colombian. Ambassador Gil will be a fundamental strategic ally in this new OAS stage, “Sarabia added.
News in development …
Sergio Gómez Maseri
El Tiempo correspondent
Washington
