United Nations
Fifth Regional Seminar on Social Development
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BACKGROUND
Since the 1995 World Summit on Social Development in Copenhagen, the global agenda on social development has advanced significantly, not only on a deeper understanding of challenges such as well-being, poverty, inequality, and discrimination, but also on a growing emphasis on upholding economic, social, and cultural rights. Within this evolving framework, the changes, ambition and commitment of countries have been notable. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Regional Agenda for Inclusive Social Development in Latin America and the Caribbean stand as compelling examples of the determination of States to drive inclusive social development, in alignment with the economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability.
However, structural challenges persist, and recent global crises - including the COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflicts, climate change, technological transformations, and demographic transitions - have exacerbated pre-existing inequalities. These challenges underscore the urgency of implementing transformative social policies that not only address immediate crises but also tackle the structural vulnerabilities prevalent in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The road to the Second World Summit for Social Development presents a pivotal opportunity to reaffirm and enhance these commitments. It allows for a reinvigoration of the inclusive social development agenda through a forward-looking perspective, prioritizing the unique needs and aspirations of Latin America and the Caribbean. This process aligns with broader global efforts, such as the Summit of the Future, which seeks sustainable and inclusive solutions to today’s pressing challenges.
In this context, the Fifth Regional Seminar on Social Development takes this global milestone as a reference to addressing a series of key issues in depth and with a forward-looking perspective. Among them, overcoming the region’s developmental traps, fostering essential transformations, and tackling high levels of inequality, limited social cohesion and mobility, and the structural and emerging risks that characterize the region.
The Seminar aims to create a space for dialogue and analysis, bringing together specialists, think tanks, civil society representatives, and high-level social development authorities. The goal is to produce strategic insights that go beyond diagnosing challenges to propose actionable recommendations. These include inclusive social policies, universal and comprehensive social protection systems that are sustainable and resilient, and mechanisms to strengthen social cohesion.
In addition, the results of this discussion space are conceived as a key contribution to strengthening the position of Latin America and the Caribbean at the Second World Summit for Social Development. This will allow the region to reaffirm its commitment to inclusive development and place strategic priorities, such as the fight against inequalities, the promotion of care policies and investment in human capabilities at the center of the global agenda.
Finally, this process is part of a broader effort to consolidate Latin America and the Caribbean as a leading region in the promotion of inclusive and forward-looking social development, in synergy with the international dialogues around the Sustainable Development Goals and the Summit of the Future.
Programme of work
DAY1 Inauguration
Moderator: Alberto Arenas de Mesa, Director of the Social Development Division, ECLAC.
- José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary, ECLAC
- Laura Oroz Ulibarri, Director, Directorate of Cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean, Spanish Agency of International Cooperation for Development (AECID)
- Susanne Fries-Gaier, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chile
- Hak-Jae Kim, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Chile
Presentation(s)
Keynote Address “Addressing Inequality: Pathways to Inclusive Social Development”
Moderator: Andrés Espejo, Social Affairs Officer, ECLAC.
- Dr. James Foster, Professor of International Affairs and Economics, George Washington University.
Presentation(s)
High-Level Panel
The Latin American and Caribbean Pact for Inclusive Social Development: Heading Towards the Second World Summit on Social Development
Moderator: Alberto Arenas de Mesa, Director of the Social Development Division, ECLAC.
Presentation of ECLAC’s Policy Brief “The road to the 2025 Second World Summit for Social Development: towards a pact for inclusive social development”. José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary, ECLAC
- Javiera Toro, Minister of Social Development and Family, Chile
- Kirk Humphrey, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Barbados (to be confirmed)
- Sophie De Smedt, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the UN, co-facilitator of the Second World Summit on Social Development
- Omar Hilale, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations
- Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations (DESA)
Presentation(s)
SIDE EVENT: "Laying the Foundations for a Regional Proposal on the Multidimensional Measurement of Social Inequality”
Room
Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the most unequal regions in the world, not only in terms of income but also across multiple dimensions of well-being, such as education, health, employment, housing, and access to basic services. These inequalities tend to accumulate and reinforce each other, disproportionately affecting historically excluded groups such as women, indigenous peoples, people of African descent, and rural populations. ECLAC has conceptualised this reality through the 'matrix of social inequality', which highlights how different dimensions of well-being interact with structural axes such as gender, ethnicity, age, and territory, resulting in a complex web of persistent inequalities.
This dynamic of accumulated disadvantages constitutes what ECLAC has termed the 'trap of high inequality': a vicious cycle wherein multidimensional gaps reduce social mobility, weaken cohesion, and constrain sustainable development capacities in the region. The persistence of this trap is explained by at least six interrelated structural factors: (i) low economic growth, resulting in segmented labour markets with high levels of informality and significant productivity disparities; (ii) regressive tax systems, which limit states' redistributive capacities; (iii) weak and insufficiently universal social and protection policies; (iv) low-quality and highly segmented education systems, which hinder social mobility; (v) persistent gender inequalities that affect access to income, employment, and decision-making spaces; and (vi) high levels of inequality and spatial segregation in urban areas, where the majority of the region's population resides.
Overcoming this trap requires rethinking public policies from an integrated perspective, with tools capable of simultaneously addressing the multiple dimensions of inequality. In this context, the objective of this side event is to create a space for reflection and dialogue on the conceptual and methodological challenges posed by the multidimensional measurement of social inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as to discuss the potential of moving towards a regional measurement proposal. This side event aims to initiate the conversation in order to lay the foundations for building technical and political consensus towards the development of more comprehensive indicators, capable of guiding public policies aimed at reducing social inequality in all its forms.
PROGRAMME
Moderation: Daniela Trucco, Senior Social Affairs Officer, ECLAC.
Opening Remarks (5 min.) Alberto Arenas de Mesa, Director of the Social Development Division, ECLAC.
Main Presentation (30 min.)
Andrés Espejo, Economic Affairs Officer, ECLAC, and José Joaquín Prieto, Consultant CEPAL. (30 min)
Comments (30 min)
- James Foster, Professor of Economics and International Affairs, George Washington University (To be confirmed).
- Sukti Dasgupta, Director of the Conditions of Work and Equality Department, ILO (To be confirmed).
Questions and Comments (5 min.)
Presentation(s)
Panel I: Inequality, Social Cohesion, and Inclusive Social Development Policies
The concept and measurement of social cohesion in Latin America reveals numerous challenges in multiple areas of public policy and institutionality. The objective of this panel is to reflect on the need to advance in the discussion of priority policy areas to consolidate welfare guarantees and democratic governance to overcome the trap of high inequality and low mobility and social cohesion in the region, as well as the institutional challenges to move towards inclusive social development that addresses the needs and rights of specific population groups.
Moderator: Rodrigo Martínez, Senior Social Affairs Officer, ECLAC.
Presentation: The trap of high inequality and low social cohesion: policy priorities for an inclusive Social Development Pact, Carlos Maldonado, Social Affairs Officer, ECLAC
Comments:
- Diego Spottorno, Technical Advisor of the Department of Cooperation with Andean Countries, Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID)
- Marcela Ríos, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)
- María Luisa Méndez, Director, Center for the Study of Conflict and Social Cohesion
- Osvaldo Larrañaga, School of Government of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.
Presentation(s)
Evento paralelo "Lanzamiento del documento Educación y desarrollo de competencias digitales en América Latina y el Caribe, organizado por CEPAL y la Cooperación Coreana"
Vea más información aquí
Presentation(s)
DAY 2 Keynote Address: “Emerging Issues in Inclusive Social Development Policies: A Life-Cycle Perspective from Childhood and Demographic Transitions”
Moderator: Carlos Maldonado, Social Affairs Officer, ECLAC
- Dr. Silvia Giorguli, President of El Colegio de México
Presentation(s)
Panel II: Poverty, Hunger, and Inequality: Innovative Responses to Persistent Challenges
The panel seeks to address the persistent challenges of poverty, hunger, and inequality, which continue to affect millions of people globally and in the region. Through the participation of representatives from governments, UN agencies, and specialists, the aim is to generate a multidimensional dialogue that fosters innovative and sustainable solutions. The objective is to highlight the urgent need for action and to identify effective responses from government policies, international cooperation, and community initiatives aligned with the commitments of the 2030 Agenda and the Regional Agenda for Inclusive Social Development, as well as the multiple dimensions of hunger and malnutrition.
Moderator: Ernesto Espíndola, Senior Research Assistant, ECLAC
Presentations:
- Intervention by Minister Wellington Dias, Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger, Brazil.
- Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, Renato Domith Godinho, Head of the Special Advisor's Office for International Affairs, Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger, Brazil.
Comments:
- Perspectives on the cost of malnutrition and financial sustainability, Rodrigo Martínez, Senior Social Affairs Officer, ECLAC
- Lynett Ochuma, Director of Social Development, Department of State for Social Protection and Elderly Affairs, Kenya
- Mehrinaz El Awady, Cluster Leader, Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development, ESCWA
- Assunta Testa, Head of Interim Cooperation at the EU Delegation, Chile
Presentation(s)
Panel III: Childhood: Promoting Institutional Capacity and Investment in Inclusive and Productive Social Development
The panel aims to highlight the crucial importance of early life investment as a foundation for inclusive social development and long-term productive growth, addressing the gaps between scientific knowledge, political commitments and public policies in this area. Panelists will discuss innovative approaches and strategies that promote strong institutions and effective investment in children and adolescents, facilitating a successful transition to productive development in adulthood. Experts in financial management and comprehensive child development policies will share case studies and experiences from various countries, providing key recommendations on public investment and policy frameworks that support this vital stage of the life cycle.
Moderator: Claudia Robles, Social Affairs Officer, ECLAC.
- Investing in childhood as a priority for Inclusive Social Development, Daniela Trucco, Senior Social Affairs Officer, ECLAC.
- Silvia Giorguli, President of El Colegio de México.
- Elias de Sousa Oliveira, Director of Basic Social Protection Department, Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger, Brazil
- Tuanny Karen Souza Ramos, General Coordinator of Intersectoral Programs, Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger, Brazil
Presentation(s)
Evento paralelo "Cohesión social en América Latina: presentación de dos documentos"
Se presentarán los documentos “Panorama de la institucionalidad social sobre Pueblos Indígenas y su aporte a la cohesión social de América Latina” y “Juventudes y cohesión social: una hoja de ruta para su participación significativa en América Latina”
Presentation(s)
Panel IV: Strategies for moving towards universal health
The panel aims to address the urgent need to strengthen health systems as a fundamental pillar for productive, inclusive and sustainable development. It will discuss the importance of ensuring universal health, overcoming economic, socio-cultural and organizational barriers, and integrating primary care into effective and sustainable health networks. In addition, it will explore how coordination between health policies and other components of social protection is essential to reduce inequalities and improve resilience to health emergencies, thus ensuring a rapid and efficient response to global and regional crises.
Moderator: Maria Luisa Marinho, Social Affairs Officer, ECLAC.
- Dr. Alejandro Vargas, Head of the Health Planning and Innovation Unit, IMSS Mexico (to be confirmed)
- Jaime Urrego, Vice-Minister of Public Health of Colombia (to be confirmed)
- Bernardo Martorell, Undersecretary of Health Care Networks, Ministry of Health, Chile (to be confirmed)
- Donato Camey, Vice-Minister of Primary Health Care, Guatemala (to be confirmed)
- Ernesto Báscolo, Chief of the Unit of Primary Health Care and Integrated Health Services, PAHO
Presentation(s)
Evento paralelo "La inclusión laboral resiliente frente a los nuevos riesgos: el cambio climático y las emergencias complejas en sociedades desiguales"
Presentation(s)
DAY 3 High-Level Roundtable: On the Path to the Second World Summit for Social Development: Global and Regional Commitments for Inclusive Social Development
The Roundtable brings together representatives from regions around the world to present their priorities and commitments undertaken in the framework of the Second World Summit on Social Development. This space will highlight, in particular, the contributions and commitments of Latin American countries, in dialogue with other regions, to advance a global agenda that addresses inequalities and promotes collective well-being. Participants will share their perspectives on how these commitments can strengthen international cooperation and lay the groundwork for more inclusive public policies, marking a milestone in the implementation of agreements to be adopted during the Summit.
Moderator: Alberto Arenas de Mesa, Director of the Social Development Division, ECLAC
Presentation: Common priorities and commitments towards the Second World Summit for Social Development, Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations (DESA)
Roundtable:
- José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary, ECLAC
- Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary, UNECA
- Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary, ESCWA
- Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary, ESCAP
- Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary, UNECE
Presentation(s)
Keynote Address: Digital Inclusion: Advances and Obstacles to Inclusive Social Development
Moderator: Amalia Palma, Senior Research Assistant, ECLAC
- Dr. Jong Sung Hwang, President of the National Information Society Agency (NIA) of the Republic of Korea
Presentation(s)
Panel V: Digital Transformation and Inclusive Social Development: Opportunities and Challenges for Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean
The expansion of the digital transformation has effects in all areas, modifying production and consumption paradigms, as well as the way in which people relate to each other and develop in society. These transformations are particularly relevant for highly unequal societies such as those of Latin America and the Caribbean. In this context, the objective of this panel is to discuss the challenges faced by the population to take advantage of the opportunities of the digital transformation, and to reflect in particular on the challenges of public policy so that the digital transformation does not widen the already existing gaps in a highly unequal region.
Moderator: Mariana Huepe, Social Affairs Officer, ECLAC
- Inequality and Digital Inclusion, Amalia Palma, Senior Research Assistant, ECLAC
- Meaningful Connectivity: Current Situation in the Region, Marco Llinás, Director, Division of Productive and Business Development, ECLAC
- Causes and Consequences of Digital Inequalities, Ellen Helsper, Professor of Digital Inequalities, London School of Economics
Comments from María Alejandra Menaldo, Vice Minister of Policy, Planning and Evaluation, Ministry of Social Development of Guatemala
Presentation(s)
Evento paralelo "Intersectorialidad en salud: experiencias nacionales en América Latina"
Presentation(s)
Panel VI: Social Protection and Labour Inclusion: Sinergies for an Inclusive Social Development
In a region characterized by high levels of inequality, low mobility and limited social cohesion, structural deficits in social protection systems are further weakened by high levels of labor informality, insufficient access to decent jobs and the accelerated transformations underway, including those imposed by climate change. In this context, a systemic analysis to identify synergies between social protection and labor inclusion is essential. The objective of this panel is to reflect on policy options to strengthen these synergies, seeking to reinforce both areas in a reciprocal manner, consolidating mechanisms that not only improve economic security, but also promote inclusive and sustainable social development.
Moderator: Nincen Figueroa, Social Research Assistant, ECLAC
Presentation of preliminary document of ECLAC/giz WITRA project “Synergies between Social Protection and Labor Inclusion”, Andrés Espejo, ECLAC.
Comments:
- Iván Jaramillo, Vice-Minister of Labor and Pension of Colombia
- Jesus Baldeón, Vice-Minister of Employment Promotion and Job Training, Peru
- Noemi Arboleda, Coordinator, ‘Supérate’ program, Dominican Republic
Presentation(s)
Closure
- Alberto Arenas de Mesa, Director of ECLAC's Social Development Division
Presentation(s)
