Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (official Spanish and Portuguese acronym, OEI) 2024 Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation

Statement by Mariano Jabonero, secretary-general of the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI), following the conferral of the 2024 Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation

“We have just received news from the Princess of Asturias Awards Jury, via its chair, Gustavo Suárez-Pertierra, informing me that the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture, known as the OEI, has been distinguished with the 2024 Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation.

As OEI secretary-general, I wish to manifest, first of all, my immense gratitude to the members of the Jury, as their decision represents recognition of the OEI, as well as my gratitude to all the Governments of the 23 member countries which, for 75 years now (we are the longest-standing organization within the Ibero-American framework), have placed their trust in our organization to help the citizens of the region resolve their problems. The OEI is essentially a valid instrument for working for the development and well-being of the men and women of Ibero-America.

Thirdly, I wish to very effusively thank all the directors and officials at the OEI, all those who have worked with determination and commitment for 75 years and those who are currently fortunate enough to enjoy this major recognition. The OEI family feels truly grateful and we desire to continue working in favour of the Ibero-American community of nations, as we have been doing for 75 years.

I reiterate our gratitude to the Princess of Asturias Award Jury and our commitment to continue working together to build a fairer and more prosperous Ibero-America. That is, to fulfil our motto of making cooperation happen, making it happen on the ground, making it happen person to person.”

Mariano Jabonero
Secretary-general of the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI)
Madrid, 29th May 2024