The Pan-American Union (Unión Panamericana in Spanish, União Panamericana in Portuguese) is an Inter-American organization that promotes peace, trade and scientific development in the Americas. Its members are the American republics and the commonwealth states of the United States of America. Official languages are English, Spanish and Portuguese. Each member state is autonomous in the direction and management of its international affairs, except in matters related to Inter-American affairs where it will work and pursue its interest under the collective framework of the Pan-American Union in matters of commerce, trade, communications, peace and scientific and cultural development. The Pan-American Union is headed by a Director General, elected by the Conference, along the Council.