THE FUTURE OF WORK AND AGENDA 2030

INTRODUCTION

The Network of Economic and Social Councils of Latin America and the Caribbean (CESALC), with the cooperation of the Social Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao, the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS) and the technical assistance of the International Labour Organization (ILO), in an effort to promote the transfer of knowledge and the exchange of successful experiences to improve the institutional performance of the Network’s member councils, is pleased to announce the first meeting of the CESALC Network in 2020, entitled ‘The Future of Work and Agenda 2030’: Shared Goals and Aspirations.’

This first meeting of the 2020 CESALC Network will be held at the hotel Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino in Willemstad, Curaçao, Kingdom of the Netherlands, from 19 to 21 February 2020. It will be a forum for debate and reflection on the role of Economic and Social Councils in addressing two issues of major importance to the region, namely the Future of Work and the Global Agenda 2030.

The occasion is propitious to address specific issues such as: Social Protection, Women in the World of Work, Social Dialogue and the Regional and International Alliances necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to face the challenges of the Future of Work.

In addition to the members of the CESALC Network, the meeting will be open to representatives of other Economic and Social Councils, Ministries of Labour or Employment and other similar institutions that lead the social dialogue in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The SER of Curaçao is very honored to have been offered the responsibility of hosting this event this year, which will bring delegates from the ESCs and other institutions of the region to our colorful and vibrant island. The SER sees this as a unique opportunity for members of the CESALC Network and other participants to meet and greet each other and exchange ideas and best practices in a distinctive Caribbean environment, known for its European style and rich cultural and architectural heritage, where more than 100 nationalities are mixed.

Context

Latin America and the Caribbean have been characterized for decades as the most unequal region in the world. Despite the fact that social protection is a right and is key to eliminating poverty, which prevents marginalization; and despite the great progress made, the effective capacity of Latin American and Caribbean countries to provide universal guarantees of social protection throughout the life cycle remains limited. Nonetheless, gaps in coverage persist, especially among workers in lower-income strata, those living in rural areas and women. Almost five years after the signing of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, support in the region for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) is gaining momentum. However, many challenges remain. The CESALC Network joins the various efforts to promote social participation, dialogue, and democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean. The CESALC Network establishes the following as priority themes for a joint approach: the fight against poverty and chronic malnutrition; the promotion of health and well-being, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, inclusive and sustainable industrial development, and innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean. It will also support the formulation of plans, policies and programs that guarantee the economic and social rights of the population.

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