August 26, 2026
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Raina Forbin, received on Monday, August 10, the copies of the credentials of Catherine Pognat, the new resident representative of the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Haiti. The two officials agreed to continue strengthening the partnership between Haiti and the regional organization, notably around the OAS roadmap and national priorities.
Catherine Pognat has extensive experience within international organizations, with over 35 years of career, including approximately 30 years spent at the OAS. Holding a degree in management sciences from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in international affairs, specializing in economic development and international law, she is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.
Before her return to Haiti, Pognat represented the OAS in Honduras from November 2020 to May 2026, where she notably supported the work of two electoral observation missions of the organization. She had also worked in Haiti from 2011 to 2014 as the lead coordinator for OAS cooperation programs, after holding various positions related to development, cooperation, and relations with civil society.
The meeting with Raina Forbin also addressed the visit to Haiti, from August 16 to 19, of a delegation led by OAS Secretary-General Albert Ramdin, as well as the establishment of internships within the organization’s mission for young Haitian academics. The discussions also covered the role of religious leaders in peace, social cohesion, youth guidance, and the electoral process, in a context where the OAS intends to continue its support in the areas of democracy, human rights, security, and development.
