Ibero-America adopts a Joint Declaration and Charter on Care and Support to place care at the center of public policy

During the Fourth Ibero-American Ministerial Conference on Social Affairs and Inclusive Development, held on Friday, 3 July in Avilés, ministers and senior authorities from countries across the Ibero-American region gathered for a dialogue aimed at examining the challenges and opportunities associated with strengthening care systems and coordinating public policies. The conference resulted in the adoption of a Joint Declaration and the Ibero-American Charter on Care and Support, an important regional framework that recognizes care as a right, a necessity, a form of work, and a public good.

“Prioritizing care is a strategic decision. It means recognizing that investing in care not only expands rights, but also strengthens economies, creates jobs, promotes gender equality, and contributes to more resilient and inclusive societies. The strength of our social protection systems will depend, to a large extent, on our ability to place care at the center of economic and social decision-making,” said Bibiana Aido, UN Women Regional Director for the Americas and the Caribbean.

The Charter provides a roadmap for the design, strengthening, and evaluation of public policies in response to demographic, social, and economic transformations. It recognizes the social and economic value of care, promotes redistribution and shared social and gender responsibility, and seeks to dignify care work.

The Regional Director also noted that, “At UN Women, we have supported numerous countries across Latin America and the Caribbean in the design and implementation of comprehensive care systems. That experience shows us that responding to the growing demand for care requires strengthening this sector, improving the conditions under which care is provided, and recognizing it as an essential pillar of well-being, social cohesion, and sustainable development.”

This conference forms part of the preparatory activities leading up to the 30th Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, which will take place next November in Madrid with the aim of addressing care systems across Ibero-America through a cross-cutting approach.