What is PAIGH (pronounced “page”)?

The Pan American Institute of Geography and History (PAIGH) is a technical and scientific body of the Organization of American States specializing in the areas of cartography, geography, history and geophysics. Since 1928, the organization has promoted collaboration throughout the Americas by sponsoring conferences, publishing journals and organizing workshops. Comprising over 21 member states represented by their respective officers, PAIGH encourages, coordinates and publicizes cartographic, geographic, geophysical, and historical studies as well as related sciences of interest to the Americas. Activities promote and carry out studies, projects, and training in these disciplines and advance cooperation among the institutes of these disciplines in the Americas, as well as with related organizations.

The structure of PAIGH is based on the four commissions – Cartography, Geography, History, and Geophysics. These commissions are the organs responsible for developing and executing the scientific and technical programs of PAIGH, approved by the General Assembly or the Directing Council. They also promote and coordinate the scientific and technical development in their respective fields in the Member States.

PAIGH leadership includes a Secretary General and President, among other directors. Each of PAIGH’s member countries names a National Section to represent the Member State in the various bodies of PAIGH. The mission of the United States National Section (USNS) is established by the Organic Statutes of PAIGH and is authorized by the U.S. Department of State and its mission to the Organization of American States (OAS).