The Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) of the Organization of American States (OAS) brings together the National Port Authorities of all 35 sovereign nations of the Americas. It promotes the development of competitive, sustainable and secure ports in the Western Hemisphere by actively facilitating cooperation between the highest governmental levels and the private sector. To date, CIP has more than 40 private sector firms and institutions as associate members. Its mission to promote sustainable port management practices, competitiveness and logistics maintains the protection of the marine environment as an important priority. CIP also deals with legislative and regulatory changes, corporate social responsibilities, security concerns, onshore tourism and passenger-related services, as well as gender equality matters