Press release
Curaçao presidency AICESIS emphasized during speech at 112th International Labor Conference
Geneva, June 13, 2024 – During the 112th International Labor Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, the Secretary General of the International Association of Social and Economic Advisory Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS), Mr. Apostolos Xyrafis, paid special attention to the presence of the Curaçao delegation. The Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao has held the chairmanship of AICESIS since last November, underscoring the island’s growing influence and leadership.
The Secretary-General expressed his deep appreciation for the International Labor Organization (ILO) in his address. It emphasized the crucial role of AICESIS in promoting institutionalized forms of social dialogue, social justice, and economic stability. “The presidency of Curaçao marks an important milestone for our organization and reflects the commitment of our members to our common mission”, said the Secretary-General.
AICESIS, founded in 1999, represents Economic and Social Councils (ESCs) and similar institutions from more than 70 countries. The association serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among socio-economic advisory councils and social dialogue institutions worldwide. Cooperation with the ILO, which began in 2012 and was renewed in 2018, has led to numerous joint initiatives that strengthen the effectiveness of social advisory councils in shaping labor and social policies.
Curaçao’s ESC’s chairmanship is seen as a sign of the increasing role of smaller countries in global policymaking. Secretary General Xyrafis emphasized that institutional social dialogue is a cornerstone for democratic governance, social cohesion, and economic resilience. “In an era of rapid technological progress, demographic shifts, and serious environmental challenges, the need for robust social dialogue mechanisms is more urgent than ever”; he argued.
Empirical evidence shows that countries with well-established socioeconomic advisory bodies exhibit higher levels of social trust, lower income inequality, and more resilient labor markets. In Europe, Latin America, and Africa, these councils have helped negotiate social pacts and improve labor rights and working conditions.
The speech concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen cooperation with the ILO and to focus AICESIS efforts on emerging issues such as digitalization, the rise of artificial intelligence, climate change, and demographic transitions. “Together we can harness the power of social dialogue to build a more just, fair, and prosperous world”; concluded Secretary-General Xyrafis.
The presence and active role of the Curaçao delegation at this conference highlights the island’s dedicated commitment to contributing to inclusive and sustainable development on a global level.
You may watch the video recording of the AICESIS Secretary General’s full speech here.
