Eclac Exec-Sec calls for region to strengthen social, labour policies

It is urgent that effective and modern social protection systems be bolstered to prepare for new scenarios in the world of work; and for uncertainties related to technology; and that social care and protection systems be strengthened to contribute to achieving gender parity and women’s economic autonomy.

This was the stance taken by Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Alicia Bárcena as she pointed out that the region’s unemployment rate illustrated the intersection of the axes that structure social inequality in the region where despite their higher education levels and abilities, it was young people today who are the most affected by unemployment, especially young women.

In a dialogue with other senior officials of the United Nations system in the framework of the 57th session of the Commission for Social Development, she argued that universal policies on education, health and social protection contributed not only to inclusion, but also to the strengthening of human capacities, increased productivity and economic growth.

In her remarks, Bárcena said that social policy must be guided by the principle of universalism to build a welfare state, recognising sensitivity to differences and oriented toward equal rights in order “to leave no one behind.”

She noted that, despite progress made by the region in terms of social spending, great challenges to financing social policies remain, especially in countries with higher poverty levels.

“The 2030 Agenda puts equality at the centre. To advance on its fulfilment, social spending must be protected and strengthened,” Alicia Bárcena stated.

The senior United Nations official indicated that ECLAC has identified equality as an essential value of development and as a non-negotiable ethical principle, centred on a rights-based approach.

“Economic and social evidence shows that inequality is inefficient. On the contrary, equality is a prerequisite for achieving economic and social progress, for closing structural gaps and for achieving convergence with higher levels of productivity and decent jobs,” she affirmed.

Calling for a bolstering of labour institutions and policies that promote decent employment, she stressed that to reduce poverty and achieve equality, it was imperative that the simultaneous implementation of policies for social and labour inclusion be strengthened.