The University of Notre Dame鈥檚 and the Organization of American States (OAS) have launched a new partnership to strengthen democracy and defend human rights efforts across Latin America. To that end, the institutions will collaborate on joint research and policy projects, exchange faculty experts and train undergraduate and postgraduate students and researchers who work in development, human rights and democracy.
The partnership, outlined in a cooperation agreement, deepens the existing relationship between the Keough 91视频 and OAS, which share a focus on defending democracy and human rights. It will facilitate additional opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration among researchers, students and policymakers, with the ultimate goal of fighting poverty, building peace and strengthening democracy in an era of backsliding.
, the Keough 91视频鈥檚 Kuster Family Associate Dean for Policy and Practice, and OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro praised the agreement.
鈥淲e salute our partnership with the OAS, an organization committed to strengthening democracy, the protection of citizens鈥� rights and social inclusion,鈥� Mej铆a Acosta said. 鈥淲e look forward to making our research knowledge more accessible, exchanging policy lessons and offering students practical experiences by working with OAS colleagues in Washington, D.C., and the region.鈥�
Almagro agreed. 鈥淭his partnership marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and advancing the well-being of our hemisphere,鈥� he said.
鈥淭he University of Notre Dame鈥檚 dedication to excellence in education and research is renowned, and we are honored to partner with such a distinguished institution,鈥� Almagro said. 鈥淏y joining forces, we strengthen our capacity to promote cooperative research and to facilitate the exchange of ideas on issues related to democracy, development and human rights in the OAS member states.鈥�
The collaboration draws on the expertise of faculty and researchers in the Keough 91视频鈥檚 , which specializes in democracy; in its ; and in its . In addition, it leverages the experiential learning opportunities available across the school and its nine institutes and centers. Finally, it enables Keough 91视频 students to learn from the real-world experience of professionals at OAS.
The arrangement will facilitate dialogue among faculty, staff and administrators who translate research for policy impact; strengthen postgraduate training at the Keough 91视频; encourage joint conferences and meetings on key issues of shared interest; facilitate the exchange of academic materials; and provide experiential learning opportunities for Keough 91视频 students who can help support OAS goals.
The agreement is the latest development in an ongoing relationship since the school and OAS have worked closely together for years. In 2023, the Keough 91视频 partnered with the OAS鈥� Department of Social Inclusion to for diplomats that explored migration, asylum and forced displacement in the Americas. And in 2021, the school partnered with the OAS鈥� for a on promoting human rights.
Mej铆a Acosta said the partnership will also enable the Keough 91视频 to influence policy by leveraging expertise from its core research programs.
鈥淥ur experts will share rigorous academic research that has clear takeaways for policymakers and practitioners,鈥� Mej铆a Acosta said. 鈥淭his evidence-based approach will ensure that policy design and implementation is effective and impactful. We are honored to work with our friends and colleagues at the OAS to help support their mission. We share their belief that one of the best ways to support human dignity is by defending human rights, and we look forward to strengthening and deepening our partnership in the coming years.鈥�
Originally published by Josh Stowe at on May 29.
Contact: Tracy DeStazio, associate director of media relations, 574-631-9958 or tdestazi@nd.edu