RAHMING ELECTED VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND IS SET TO ASSUME CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE OAS

New PictureRAHMING ELECTED VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND IS SET TO ASSUME CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE OAS

Ambassador Rahming elected as Vice-President of the UN 71st General Assembly & poised to Assume Chairmanship of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS)
On 13 June, 2016, H.E. Dr. Elliston Rahming, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of American States (OAS), was elected to represent The Bahamas as one of the twenty-one Vice Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly. This is the first time The Bahamas has held this position since the 62nd Session of the UN General Assembly, almost 10 years ago.

The General Assembly consists of all UN Member States and may discuss any questions or matters within the scope of the UN Charter, including those in the realm of human rights, economic and social issues, sustainable development and humanitarian assistance. It also may make recommendations to UN members or the Security Council on questions or matters, except disputes, of which the Security Council is currently exercising its functions.

The role of the Vice-President is indispensable in supporting the President to ensure the smooth conduct of all aspects of the work of the General Assembly. In the absence of the President of the General Assembly, Vice-Presidents may also be called upon to assume the role of acting President, with the same mandate and responsibility as the President.

Ambassador Rahming, in his capacity as Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the OAS, will also assume the Chair of the OAS Permanent Council, for the months of July, August, and September 2016.

Representing one of the most significant roles within the Organisation, the Chair is responsible for coordinating and guiding the work of the Permanent Council, whose mandate includes: the maintenance of friendly relations among the member states and peaceful settlement of their disputes, recommendations to the General Assembly as well as implementation of decisions of the General Assembly, and upholding the standards governing the operation of the General Secretariat.