In recent years, both the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have recognised the
importance of strengthening care policies and systems, especially in the wake of the pandemic, which revealed inequalities in the distribution of care work and the need to guarantee accessible, high-quality, and sustainable services.
Since 2022, both regions have taken significant steps: the
European Care Strategy, the Recommendations on the revision of the Barcelona Objectives (regarding childcare and long-term care), and the
Buenos Aires Commitment reflect growing consensus around care as a right and as a pillar of social well-being and gender equality.
In parallel, care has gained increasing visibility on the international agenda through key resolutions from multilateral bodies, including:
- The International Labour Organization (ILO) Resolution on Decent Work and the Care Economy (2024),
- The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Resolution on Promoting Care and Support Systems for Social Development (2024),
- And the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution on the Centrality of Care from a Human Rights Perspective (2023)
These instruments represent a significant step forward in recognizing care as a central element of social justice, human rights, and sustainable development.
In this context, various civil society organizations, academic institutions, foundations, regional and international organizations, and government representatives have promoted the proposal for a
Bi-Regional Care Pact. This initiative aims to establish a framework for cooperation between the EU and LAC. Although it was not formally included in the 2023 EU-CELAC Summit of Heads of State and Government, interest in the Pact continues to grow.
Looking ahead to the upcoming CELAC-EU Summit in Colombia (November 2025) and considering the challenges facing multilateral cooperation for sustainable development, the
EU-LAC Foundation, with the support of the
Global Alliance for Care, is launching this
digital consultation. The objective is to invite care experts to review the draft Pact, reaffirm its relevance, and enrich it with new contributions.
The
Bi-Regional Care Pact seeks to promote cooperation between both regions for the development of comprehensive care policies and systems. It responds to shared challenges such as:
- population aging,
- autonomy for older people, persons with disabilities, and young children,
- the transition toward universal services,
- global care chains,
- gender inequalities,
- and the impact of global crises.
It recognizes care as a fundamental right for all people. It aspires to improve well-being, reduce gender gaps, and generate social and economic benefits through accessible, quality services and decent jobs for care workers.
The proposal promotes the exchange of experiences, comparative studies, and concrete proposals on regulations, quality standards, professional training, and funding. It also seeks to highlight the multiple intersections of care and promote cooperation modalities such as North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation. A
Bi-Regional Liaison Commission is envisioned to design a joint work plan between key institutions from both regions.
