Secretary for External Relations
Organization of American States (OAS), United States

Region
United States

IEDM Area of Expertise
Politics & Economic Development Policy - Latin America

Education
Fellow at the School of Public Affairs of the University of Maryland, studying United States Foreign Policy Making
Fellow at the Inter-American Defense College
Georgetown University, Masters degree in Common Law Studies
Francisco Marroquin University of Guatemala, Law

Experience
Ambassador Alfonso Quiñónez is the Secretary for External Relations of the Organization of American States which is responsible for the promotion and image of the Organization. His Secretariat also coordinates the relations with other International Organizations, Permanent Observers and Civil Society as well as the fund raising efforts and cultural activities of the Organization. Previously, he served as the Executive Secretary for Integral Development and Director General of the Inter American Agency for Cooperation and Development. In this capacity, he was responsible for coordinating the OAS’ political and cooperation efforts in the areas of social and economic development, particularly in education, labor, culture, science and technology, trade, tourism and sustainable development. He was also responsible for overseeing the Fellowship and Training programs of the OAS.

Previously, he held the position of Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS. Prior to that position, he was the Director of the Department of Policies and Programs for Development. He joined the OAS in July, 2001 as Director of the Department of Cooperation Policies.

During ten years, Ambassador Quiñónez was a member of the Guatemalan Foreign Service, having held positions in Spain, the United States, and from January, 1998 through April, 2000, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States. As a member of the Guatemalan Foreign Service and then as a member of the OAS General Secretariat, Ambassador Quinonez has participated in multiple international conferences and meetings.

During 2000 and 2001, he was a professor in the Schools of Law and International Relations of the Francisco Marroquin University in his native Guatemala.