The EU-LAC Foundation has participated in several events dedicated to discussing care systems, gender equality and social justice within the EU–Latin America and Caribbean partnership.
Anna Barrera Vivero, Director of Programmes at our organisation, contributed to discussions that brought together policymakers, experts and civil society, reflecting the growing focus on care in bi-regional cooperation, particularly following the adoption of the EU–CELAC Bi-regional Pact for Care, during the IV CELAC-EU Summit last November in Santa Marta, Colombia.
“Economic Systems as a Generator of Well-Being and Environmental and Social Justice”
The EU-LAC Foundation joined the event “Economic System as a Generator of Well-Being and Environmental and Social Justice” held on 10 February in Madrid and organised by the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda in collaboration with the Spanish Sustainable Development Network (REDS-SDSN Spain).
The dialogue explored economic models capable of promoting social rights, sustainability and well-being. A central theme was the care crisis, driven by the unequal distribution of unpaid care work, demographic changes and population ageing, which underscore the need to rethink social protection systems.
In this context, Barrera Vivero emphasised the importance of identifying care solutions from a territorial perspective, from the international to the local level, where many innovative approaches are emerging. She highlighted the value of strengthening cooperation between Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean, noting that although the historical, socio-economic and political contexts differ, both regions share common challenges in addressing care needs. Barrera also pointed out that European social policies on social rights, gender equality and long-term care can serve as a reference for dialogue and the exchange of experiences, supporting efforts to develop more inclusive and resilient care systems.
She further underlined the significance of bi-regional cooperation in meeting these challenges. In this regard, she referred to the EU–CELAC Bi-regional Pact for Care as a key example of shared commitment to advance care policies, facilitate the exchange of good practices and support the development of inclusive and sustainable care systems.
Dialogue “Towards Care Societies”
On 26 February the dialogue “Towards Care Societies” took place in Barcelona, organised by Casa Amèrica Catalunya and the Barcelona Institute of International Studies, with the support of the LAC–EU Horizon Europe Doctoral Network, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and the EULAS – Jean Monnet Network.
The event provided a space for exchange among participants deeply involved in the development of the Bi-regional Pact for Care. Discussions focused on placing care at the centre of social and political agendas, highlighting its role in addressing inequalities, fostering sustainable development, and promoting gender equality. The concept of “care societies” was presented as a transformative approach to guide public policy and social organisation in both regions.
During her intervention, Barrera Vivero highlighted the EU-LAC Foundation’s role in supporting bi-regional dialogue and following up on commitments established in high-level forums, including the Pact for Care, which she described as an innovative mechanism for cooperation. She also referred to milestones that cleared the way for the Pact, including the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on care needs, the adoption of the European Care Strategy, and regional initiatives such as the Buenos Aires Commitment. These examples illustrated the importance of multi-actor engagement, involving civil society, feminist movements, academia and international organisations, in advancing a transformative care agenda.
The dialogue also emphasised the need to make care work more visible in political and economic debates, recognising its essential contribution to social well-being and development. Participants stressed that advancing towards “care societies” requires sustained political commitment and collaborative action, positioning care not only as a social priority but also as a driver for equality and sustainable development.
Photo: Courtesy of Casa América Catalunya
These events highlighted the transformative potential of care for building more inclusive and sustainable societies. The EU-LAC Foundation reinforced its commitment to supporting bi-regional cooperation and facilitating the implementation of the Bi-regional Pact for Care.