In a significant advancement for institutional regional cooperation, the Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao has been appointed as the new President Council of the Network of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions of Latin America and the Caribbean (CESISALC). This notable appointment was made on September 20th, 2023, in Montevideo, Uruguay, during the closing of the Third Meeting of the INTERCOONECTA Program, an event sponsored by the Spanish Cooperation and the Economic and Social Council of Spain.
This transition of leadership, where the SER of Curaçao succeeds the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Guatemala, marks an important phase in the network's biennial rotating presidency. The SER of Curaçao, recognized for its exemplary work and institutional commitment, takes on this role with the intent to uphold and further the legacy of excellence and leadership.
The election of the SER of Curaçao is a testament to the international community's confidence in its capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the region's well-being and sustainable development. The board embraces this responsibility with earnest dedication and commitment.
The ceremony, marking this new chapter, saw attendance from high-level representatives of various economic and social councils of the region, including Guatemala, Honduras, Dominican Republic, and virtual participation from Peru, Costa Rica, and Argentina, along with CES de Río Cuarto.
As the new president, the SER of Curaçao is poised to actively involve more economic and social councils, both national and subnational, in CESISALC. A key focus will be on incorporating institutions from English-speaking Caribbean countries, aiming to enhance diversity and participation in critical regional discussions and decision-making processes.
This presidency, managed primarily from Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is a milestone for this small Caribbean Island, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curaçao's role exemplifies the potential of smaller nations in leading regional cooperation and institutionalized social dialogue.
This appointment coincides with a pivotal period for the Latin American and Caribbean region, facing numerous social and economic challenges. The SER of Curaçao's leadership in CESISALC is a significant step in fostering consensus and formulating impactful policies for sustainable socioeconomic development and governance.
Further enhancing its role in global dialogue, the SER of Curaçao also assumed the presidency of the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS) for the Latin American and Caribbean region as of November 1st, 2023. This tenure, extending until October 31, 2025, represents a critical juncture for the SER and a remarkable achievement for the region.
A comprehensive strategic roadmap, outlining objectives and action plans for the next two years, was presented at the AICESIS General Assembly and Board. This initiative reaffirms SER Curaçao's commitment to enhancing global dialogue, consultation, and the strengthening of participatory democracy.
As president, the SER of Curaçao will act as a unifying voice in international forums, including the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS), the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), ensuring that the perspectives and insights of the members of CESISALC are integrally represented in global discussions. This leadership role underscores the SER of Curaçao's dedication to advancing regional prosperity and socio-economic development.