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IT-TNAX-IL LEĠIŻLATURA P.L.

5208 Dokument imqiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra tad-Deputati fis-Seduta Numru 276 tal-15 ta’ Ġunju 2015 mill-Prim Ministru.
_______________________________ Raymond Scicluna Skrivan tal-Kamra ·~~·.· .... • • OS· • EU-CELAC Summit 2015 Brussels EU-CELAC ACTION PLAN This Action Plan includes a number of initiatives consistent with the priorities established at the VI EU-LAC Sununit as encompassed in its Final Declaration as well as in new areas incorporated at the VII EU-LAC Summit I I EU-CELAC Sunnnit held in Santiago de Chile on 26-27 January 2013 and the II EU-CELAC Summit held in Brussels on 10-11 June 2015.
The Action Plan identifies instruments and activities which, if properly implemented should lead to concrete results guaranteeing ownership and capacity building in the following key areas, which are directly or indirectly linked with the central theme of the Summit: 1.

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Science, research, innovation and technology; Sustainable development; environment; climate change; biodiversity; energy; Regional integration and interconnectivity to promote social inclusion and-cohesion; Migration; Education and employment to promote social inclusion and cohesion; The world drug problem; Gender; Investments and entrepreneurship for sustainable development.

Higher education 10.

Citizen security I EN " . '

1.
Science, research, innovation and technology The main objective in this area is to develop the "EU-CELAC Knowledge Area" through: i) improving cooperation in research and im1ovation; ii) strengthening scientific and technological capacities, and infrastructures; iii) enabling sustainable research, innovation and knowledge sharing taking into account the contribution of ancestral and traditionallmowledge; iv) boosting the use of new and existing teclmologies and technology development and transfer underpinning sustainable socio-economic development and v) fostering cooperation between both regions as regards the digital-economy and the reduction of the digital divide for improving competitiveness while making social inclusion a cross-cutting issue.
Work Programme: *Dialogue a. b.

Strengthen the bi-regional dialogue on science, research, teclmology and innovation, through the "EULAC Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation" established in March 2011, to consolidate EU- CELAC cooperation and to update common priorities, encourage mutual policy implementation and effectiveness of cooperation instrnn1ents.
learning and ensure the proper Explore the possibility of working jointly with institutions from the public and private sector in matters related to innovation and knowledge, applied research and technological i1movation.
* Cooperation activities and initiatives c. d. Continue to support the in1plementation of the new mechanism, the "EU- CELAC Joint Initiative for Research and hmovation 11 combining instruments at national, regional and bi-regionallevel as appropriate in a complementary and synergistic manner.
Establish new or strengthen existing thematic networks and partnerships on agreed issues of mutual interest, which should develop joint actions and facilitate exchanges between higher education instih1tions, research centres and networks, as well as between private and public sector institutions from the EU and CELAC countries.

2 EN e. f. g. h. 1. j.


Strengthen the integration of both regions in the Infonnation Society and Suppmt the development of the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector and the reduction of the digital divide and digital illiteracy through an increase of interconnectivity between the education and research networks within and between regions and enhance access to and use of resources.
Develop and intensify the dialogue and cooperation on infonnation society, strategies and regulation models for the communication sector and in the audiovisual field.

Develop an interface between research and innovation through a knowledge and innovation centres network to facilitate social appropriation of knowledge and technology in particular keeping in mind the micro and SMEs.
Promote the extension of scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and CELAC as well as the adoption of innovative insttuments to strengthen cooperation with special attention to countries with low participation in science, research, technology and innovation cooperation activities.

Foster cooperation for human and institutional capacity building and research infrastructures interoperability as well as encourage the retum and reintegration of researchers to their countries of origin.
Use existing networks and pmtnerships and exchange infmmation, experiences and best practices in areas of innovation, such as incubation, entrepreneurship, science parks and start-up enterprises.
*Expected results k. 1. m. n. Advancement of knowledge, science; research and innovation; as well as business, entrepreneurial, and research centres and networks from the EU and CELAC countries, and leading to an improved uptake and dissemination of research results for innovation in particular for the micro and SMEs.

Road Map defining specific targets and associated perfonnance indicators for the implementation of the I oint Initiative will be set up and updated on a regular basis.
A comprehensive joint strategy in research, development and innovation supporting, among other things, an improved use of the possibilities that ICT offers, including in the areas of e-Government, e-Health and e-Education, as well as in relation to climate change related and other relevant issues.

Reinforced private and public sector effmts for the improvement of the interconnection of education and research networks through the enhancement of transatlantic links, including through new optic fibre cables.
3 EN " " o. p. q.

Increased compatibility ofregulat01y frameworks in the field of electronic communications and improved quality of digital contents.
Improved quality and effectiveness of the scientific and teclmological cooperation through: i) increased knowledge of EU-LAC scientific and technological communities, ii) increased research focus on agreed items of mutual interest iii) larger scientific and technological capacities of CELAC countries, involving also national programmes and capacity building for the Caribbean, to drive their own development and to achieve enhanced cooperation opportunities with the EU iv) increased infotmation exchange and technology wmsfer on issues of mutual interest.
Realisation of joint or coordinated calls, or programme level cooperation, between different funding agencies in the EU and CELAC countries, in the areas addressed under the JIRl Working Groups.

4 EN 2.
Sustainable Development; Environment; Climate Change; Biodiversity; Energy1 The following main objectives in this area for ensuring environmental sustainability taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities are: i) to promote the sustainable development of all countries and to support the achievement of the MDG and the other international agreements on these issues; ii) to ensure the effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, recognizing the scientific views regarding the limit for the increase in the global temperature; iii) to develop policies and instruments for adaptation and mitigation, to address the adverse effects of climate change and enhance long-term cooperation initiatives and to reduce the vulnerability to natural disasters; iv) to support activities oriented to reduce intensity of greenhouse gas emissions in consumption and production activities in our countries, according to existing international cmmnitments; v) to facilitate access to and exchange of information related to best environmental practices and technologies; vi) to ensure and support the full implementation of the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity; vii) to improve energy efficiency and saving as well as accessibility; viii) to develop and to deploy renewable energies and to promote energy interconnection networks, ensuring the diversification and complementarity of the energy matrix.
Work Programme: *Dialogue a.

Step up regular dialogue to develop the relevant aspects of the "Lima Agenda on Sustainable Development; Environment; Climate Change; Energy" as well as on Biodiversity; with the objective, amongst others, of fostering consensus and facilitating the proper implementation of international agreements and other decisions in these areas.
* Cooperation activities and initiatives Strengthen hi-regional cooperation in the field of environment and disaster risk reduction and management, the knowledge of the problems and consequences of climate change and biodiversity loss and the importance of climate resilient development and climate adaptation, and by promoting the integration of these issues into sustainable development strategies and in policy design.

including by increasing b. c. 1 Works are ongoing in view of the outcome of the COP 21.
5 EN " .. Exchange of experiences and infonnation among our countries and between oUI· regions, with a view to facilitate the design of adaptation and mitigation strategies and policies notably among others through the EUrocLIMA prograrmne and triangular and South-South cooperation.
d. e. f. g. Seek the necessary financial resources that will i) contribute to sustainable development, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, as well as adaptation to and mitigation of climate change, ii) ensure coordination of activities aim.ing at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, taking into account the capacities of the different countries.

Promote the development of projects in the areas of renewable energy and energy efflciency.
Suppot1 for capacity building on safe and sustainable low carbon technologies and low emission development strategies, climate change monitoring, greenhouse gas_e1nission reporting and verification, forest and soil management among others.

Work together Cooperation, Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency.
to give due follow-up to the EU-LAC Forum on Technological *f:ypected results h. r. J. k. Improved knuv-,:leJge on problems and consequences of clilnate change includlng vulnerabillty and nsk asses::;ment, biodiversity loss and enviromnent issues in its widest meaning, and integration of thes~ issues into sustainable development and climate adaptation otrategies and other adaptation activities.

Strengthened capacities and emergency networks to prevent and address the effect of natural disasters.
Improved capacity for sustainable development, environmental and climate change-related challenges and for the conservation and sustainable use of the biodiversity.

Improved use and accessibility of renewable energies, increased energy efficiency and saving as these play an important role in the diversification and complementarity of the energy matrix.

6 EN 3.
6 EN 3.

Regional integration and interconnectivity to promote social inclusion and cohesion The main objectives in this area are i) to increase regional integration and social inclusion and cohesion, ii) to contribute to the overall goal of poverty eradication, especially among persons in conditions of vulnerability, in the context of sustainable development, including the pursuit of the MDGs and the Post 2015 Development Agenda.
Some key elements to achieve these goals are the promotion of investments in infrastructures favouring decent and dignified job creation, interconnectivity and the development of social and economic networks.
Work Programme: *Dialogue a. b. c. Use all available instruments to ensure adequate dialogue on this matter between the EU, Latin American and Caribbean countries, such as those available under the EUROsociAL the II programme implementation of the governance tranche under the European Development Fund (EDF), as well as in the context of present and future trade, economic and association agreements between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean countries and subregions.
institutional cooperation), the dialogue (including linked to This dialogue could also use all available instruments, organizations, mechanisms and associations related to international cooperation established between and within the EU and CELAC, in order to enhance the relationship between both regions.

Continue the hi-regional dialogue within the EU-LAC Forum on Social Cohesion.
Engage in a dialogue on territmial cohesion and equity and on regional development policies, with a particular focus on cross border cooperation and on territorial development strategies, to strengthen the capacity of the regional and urban authorities to promote economic development and innovation and social inclusion and cohesion.
7 EN .. .. " *Cooperation activities and initiadves d. e. f. resources the necessary financial Mobilise to 1mprove and develop sustainable infrastructures and networks favouring regional integration and social inclusion and cohesion, including through the Latin America Investment Facility (LAIF).
LAIF grants are expected to have a leverage effect to mobilise resources from financial institutions to finance i) interco1mectivity and infrastructure in particular in the areas of energy efficiency and savmg and and telecommunication networks; ii) social and environmental sectors including climate change mitigation and adaptation; iii) providing for growth of the private sector (in patticular of micro and SMEs).
investment projects and transfer notably technological three areas: sustainable renewable transport, research, systems, energy in Mobilise the required resources for the establislunent of the EU-Caribbean Infrastructure Fund with the purpose to contribute to strengthening regional integration and access to basic social services through improvements of physical infrastructure and related services.
The fund is expected to facilitate the mobilisation of additional resomces by leveraging of grants with loans and private capital.

Support the development of more effective public social policies as well as policies aiming at strengthening local entrepreneurial environment and corporate social responsibility, promoting national and foreign investment and technologica] transfer.
*Expected results g. h. Implementation of projects, in areas such as energy efficiency and saving and renewable energy, sustainable management of natural resources, sustainable production and consumption patterns, sustainable transport, communication networks, cli1nate change adaptation and mitigation, social and economic networks - leading to increased regional integration and social inclusion and cohesion, including technological transfer and innovation when appropriate.
strengthening and cooperation, Establisllillent of partnerships between EU and CELAC public administrations, through institutional the management and implementation of tenitorial development policies and social policies in areas such as education, health, lifelong learning, social security and social services, administration of justice, taxation, vocational training and employment.

These partnerships may also involve different Latin American and Caribbean countries in t1iangular cooperation.
supp01t to 8 EN 4.
Migration The main objectives in this field me: i) to enhance bi-regional cooperation by identifying common challenges and opportunities that require common solutions; ii) to build a stronger evidence base on migration between both regions, in order to better understand this reality; iii) to address the positive synergies between migration and development; iv) to maximize the development impact of migration and human mobility; v) to address regular and irregular migration and other related issues including smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons; vi) to promote the full respect of human rights of all migrants, including of unaccompanied minors.
Work Programme: *Dialogue a.

Further strengthen and develop, for instance with appropriate mutually agreed mechanisms, the Bi-regional Structured and Comprehensive Dialogue on Migration, including all issues agreed in the Lima Sunnnit and the June 30'h 2009 document, "Basis for structuring the ED LAC Dialogue on Migration" .

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;,·Cooperation activities and initiatives b.

Continue cooperation along the areas identified within the Basis document.
c. d. e. f. Promote cooperation programmes to combat and prevent trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling networks and to assist the victims, with special attention to women and childTen.

Promote a regular exchange of information regarding ongoing and new initiatives and practices which may affect migrant's situation, in particular on policies and legislation adopted in both regions.
Building on the previous work on data collection and analyses jointly elaborate a CELAC EU statistical review on migration and ensure its necessary updates.

Provide information to migrants and potential migrants on legal and administrative requirements for entry and stay in EU and CELAC countries.
9 EN " " g. Promote technical cooperation between EU and CELAC countries to exchange information on migration flows and policies, as well as to support improved policies on migration and development, amongst other through appropriate bi-regional projects, including specific activities regarding the Caribbean countries.

h. Continue to develop measures to make the transfer of remittances cheaper, safer and more transparent, while fully respecting their private nature.

1.
1.

J. k. Continue intra and hi-regional cooperation in areas of education and health of migrants, as well as on groups of migrants in situation of vulnerability, especially women and children.
Exchange experiences and best practices and explore possibilities for hi-regional cooperation, including the establislunent of bilateral social security agreements between individual CELAC countries and EU Member Stales wishing to do so, while respecting national legislations and existing bilateral and/or multilateral social security agreements between CELAC-EU States, such as the Ibero .. American Social Security Convention.
Jointly design and elaborate a "CELAC-EU roadmap on migrations" with specific joint actions related to the bi-regional dialogue, human mobility and cooperation while ensuring full respect of the human rights of all migrants, including of unaccompanied minors.

*Expected results l. Strengthening the impact of the positive link between migration and development in countries of origin, transit and destination.
m. n. Promoting full respect of human rights of all migrants, including of unaccompanied minors and enhancing coherence in the fight and prevention of trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling networks, as well as in assisting victims.

Improved fight against xenophobia, racism and all forms of intolerance.
Increased exchange of mutual information on migration policy developments and best practices in both regions, as well as improved knowledge and more accurate data on migration flows between both regions, including through concrete joint initiatives.

10 EN o.

Improved qualitative and quantitative knowledge on hi-regional migration trends, with a cross-linked, up-to-date and accurate statistical review.

p. Improved capacity and awareness on migration issues of relevant officials; q. r. s. t. u.
Strengthened cooperation on measures making remittances cheaper, safer and more transparent.

Enhanced intra and hi-regional cooperation to improve the situation of migrants in areas of education and health, protection of vulnerable groups, in particular women and children as identified through the Dialogue.

Exchange of experiences and best practices regarding social security systems in the EU and CELAC countries in order to explore possibilities for hi-regional cooperation.
The establishment of bilateral social secmity agreements between individual CELAC countries and EU Member States wishing to do so, respecting national legislations and existing bilateral and/or multilateral social security agreements between CELAC-EU States, such as the lbero-American Social Security Convention.

The establishment of a "CELAC-EU roadmap on migration" with specific joint actions while ensuring the full respect of the human rights of all migrants, including of unaccompanied minors.
11 EN '' " 5.

Education and employment to promote social inclusion and cohesion The main objectives in this area are to promote education, life-long leaming and training (including technical and vocational education and training (TVET) with a view to develop, in both regions, skills for employment, promote decent and dignified job creation, thereby increasing income and contributing towards the overall objective of poverty eradication.
The pursuit of these objectives should take into account the diverse levels oh11lnerability, different realities of countries, as well as to improve the functioning of labour markets, including through triangular cooperation, ensuring the involvement of employers and workers, while also considering the important role of social dialogue and corporate social action.
This should lead to easier access to employment, decent, dignified and productive work and job opportunities, in particular for women and young people, as well as for other vulnerable groups, and should contribute to increased social inclusion and cohesion.

Work Programme: *Dialogue a.

Establish a regular hi-regional dialogue on education and employment, building upon the results of the II EU-LAC Forum on Social Cohesion.
* Cooperation activities and initiatives b. c. d. e. f. g. Support quality and equal access to education, life-long leaming, vocational education and training and increased regional integration in this domain.

Promote mobility of students, teachers and staff.

and exchanges between higher education institutions from the EU aud CELAC countries.
Promote cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems, including transversal, that respond to the needs of the labom market and national development objectives.
Conl!ibute to meeting the educational objectives 2021 as refened in the EU-LAC Ministerial Forum on 11Education) Innovation and Social Inclusion 11 • Implement progranunes involving employers for fostering formal employment stm1ing with the first job experiences, including through the promotion of entrepreneurship and improved access by young people and persons with disabilities to social protection mechanisms.
Implement progranunes to reduce all fmms of discrimination at work including against young people, the elderly, women and persons with disabilities to promote decent work 12 EN h. 1.

Promote hi-regional progrannnes to exchange experiences and know-how on the labour systems and their linlc with the system of technical education and training for employment.
Prepare a "Latin American, Caribbean and European Union Roadmap on Safety and Health at Work", taking into account the specific economic and social conditions of each country.

The development of this work plan could be supported by the International Labour Organization with the participation of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, EU-OSHA, and its counterpaTts in the Latin American and Caribbean sub-regions or those determined by CELAC.

* Joxpected results j. k. I. m. n. o.


Strategic reviews on the functioning of contempormy labour market information systems leading to the establishment and implementation of the necessary capacity-building plans and the improvement of the relevant statistical services.

Emergence of a network of high-quality and inclusive technical and vocational education and training institutions.

Improved integration of young workers and persons with disabilities into decent, dignified and productive jobs.
School dropout rates reduction and links among basic, vocational and higher education strengthened, Progress towards meeting the Educational Objectives 2021.
Establishment of a technical working group to develop a CELAC-EU Roadmap aimed at the creation of on-going exchanges of statistical data, methodologies and investigative procedures, as well as relevant experiences and best practices regarding workers' health and safety, based on the ILO Progrannne on Safety and Health at Work and the Enviromnent, Safe Work: reciprocal cooperation and mutual teclmical assistance and the fonnulation of joint research.

13 EN . '

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6.
The world drug problem The objective is to strengthen hi-regional dialogue and effectiveness of joint efforts to tackle the world dmg problem as identified and developed in the framework of the EU-CELAC Coordination and Cooperation Mechanism on Drugs in accordance with the principle of common and shared responsibility through an integrated, multidisciplinary, balanced and scientific evidence based approach and in conf01mity with the intemational law, the purposes and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the three UN Drug Control Conventions and according to the commitments made in the bi-regional Declarations adopted at the High Level Meetings of the Mechanism.
Work Programme: *Dialogue a. b. c. Fm1her develop and strengthen the EU-CELAC Coordination and Cooperation Mechanism on Drugs.

Intensify our cooperation in the framework of the United Nations, notably wrthin the Coilllnission on Narcotic Drugs to couuter the world dn1g problem and to combat, among other issues, drug trafficking canied out through transnational organized crime and its consequences.
Encourage active participation in the Special Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on the world drug problem in 2016 and its preparatory process for a fmitful, wide ranging and pragmatic debate in accordance with the UNGA Resolutions 671193, 69/200 and 69/201.

14 EN * Cooperation activities and initiatives d. e. f. g. h. 1.

J. k. 1.
J. k. 1.

Support the establishment of EU-CELAC networks to promote the exchange of experiences and best practices in demand and supply reduction to tackle the world drug problem, through policy development and capacity building initiatives, such as the "COPOLAD" programme.
Strengthen regional security cooperation structures and fostering regional cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs and related ctimes; in the Caribbean under the 11th EDF regional programmes and based on joint efforts agreed in the Joint Caribbean-EU Partnership Strategy as well as the CARICOM Crime and Security Strategy; and in Central America taldng into account the Central America Security Strategy.
Strengthen hi-regional cooperation against the diversion and trafficldng of chemical precursors used for the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances through existing and future programmes such as COPOLAD.

Strengthen cooperation and the sharing of infmmation, best practices and research on synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, developing coordinated and integrated approaches in a balanced manner to taclde both demand- and supply- reduction.
Strengthen cooperation against drug related money latmdering and trafficldng in arms and ammunition.

Promote equal access to public health services, which should guarantee broad coverage, as well as basic treatment and rehabilitation, respecting human rights and support measures to reduce the negative health and social effects of drug abuse, in accordance with the respective national legal frameworks, which may assist the most vulnerable groups.
Support the development and adoption of policies and programs that incorporate a holistic, strengthened, balanced, and multidisciplinaty approach with the objective of reducing the impact of drug abuse on public health and preventing the stigmatization, marginalization, and discrimination of drug abusers, in society, by mobilizing resources to facilitate access to national health systems.
Promote initiatives to tackle the negative consequences of the world drug problem on the enviromnent in accordance with national policies.

Advance implementation of commitments adopted in the Political Declaration and Plan of Action approved at the 52nd session of the CND held in 2009, taking into account the High Level Review of2014.
15 EN " .. m. Promote initiatives aimed at ensuring the availability of evidence, including the development of projects aimed at setting up traceability and profiling system of chemical precursors through an analysis of seized drugs, in full compliance with international conventions on the matter and according to national legislation and existing regional frameworks.
n. o. p. Consider the need to develop sustainable crop control strategies consistent with domestic legal frameworks, giving appropriate attention to alternative development as an essential part of those strategies, in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development, with a view to developing products, through alternative development, including preventive altemative development, as appropliate, identified on the basis of market demand and value-added production chains, including those refened to in C01mnission on Narcotic Drugs resolution 55/8 of 16 March 2012 and resolution 561!5 of 15 March 2013, entitled "Follow-up to the Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem with respect to the development of strategies on voluntary marketing tools for products stermning from alternative development, including preventive alternative development".
Continue strengthening bilateral cooperation agreements on drug precursors and explore the possibility to negotiate new ones.

Enhance cooperation in order to detect, prevent and taclde new methods of precursors' diversion used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

q.

Promote, as appropliiilt:, initialives to taclde the problem of illicit synthetic drug5.
*Expected results r. Strengthened hi-regional cooperation, coordination and exchange of infmmation on: demand reduction: awareness and prevention cmnpaigns and prograrrunes for early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and social integration; reduction of the negative health and social consequences of drug abuse, in accordance with national law and within the national drug control strategies; supply reduction: prevention of precursors' diversion; drug infonnation systems and research; - alternative development, including, as appropliate, preventive alternative development; 16 EN law enforcement, customs and judicial matters; - drug related trafficking in atms and ammunition; - drug related money laundering; - judicial organization and drug legislation and institutional capacity building, at both political and technical level; drug related environmental impact.
s. t. Strengthened institutional capacity in reducing drugs demand and supply, and in dealing with the overall consequences of the world drug problem.

Presentation of joint initiatives in the UN framework and enhanced implementation of commitments.

17 EN " ,, 7.
Gender The main objective is to prioritise the gender issue in the context of bi-regional relations and underscore the political will in both regions to guarantee gender equality and the protection, exercise and promotion of women's rights, including i) Political participation of women; ii) Elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence; and iii) Economic empowennent of women and their par1icipation in the world of work and in all decision making processes.
Work Programme: *Dialogue a.

Create a hi-regional space for the exchange of experiences and cooperation on gender issues aimed at promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in the different fields of the CELAC-EU dialogue.

*Cooperation activities and initiatives b. c. d. Promote the political and popular participation of women in terms of equality.
Promote actions to combat and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, through activities such as publishing gender educational progrannnes and manuals and standardising protocols of investigation to prosecute and punish the perpetrators, among other actions.

Continue close cooperation at the UN, including in the UN Conunission of the Status of Women and in the UN General Assembly.
18 EN e. f. g. h. Promote the economic empowerment of women and their participation in the economy and paid labour markets, with social security and conditions of fairness, as well as to promote policies and laws to ensure equal pay for equal work Identify the state of play of the main working topics in each region.
Identify areas of exchange and cooperation for the creation of synergies and mutual learning to optimise existing practices and lessons learned in the area of gender mainstreaming in all public policies.

Identify cmmnon areas to cooperate in technical assistance, training and exchange of expe1iences.

* Expected results l. Establishment of an intergovernmental hi-regional worldng group aimed at defining shared objectives.

The main worldng topics at tbis first stage are: • Political participation of women.
• Elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

• Economic empowerment of women and their participation in the world of work Bi-regional seminar for the exchange of experiences on gender-based violence, to share best practices and the most effective measures to prevent and combat it.

Promote concrete measures for the investigation of gender-based killing.
Bi-regional seminar on "Economic empowerment of women and participation in the world of work11 , for exchanging experiences and best practices in the field of education and training in !CT.

j. k I. ,, " " 19 EN m. n. o.

Exchange of information, on a voluntary basis, regarding the state of art on gender policies, including equality and empowerment of women by countries.
Bi-regional seminar with State representatives, which may include experts and women's organizations, to exchange experiences on the achievements of peace, conflict resolution and pmticipation of women in those processes, including the implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN General ABsembly in this regard, as well as Resolution 1325.

(Women Peace and Security).


Agreed language, when possible, to be used in common positions in intemational fora, especially resolutions to be negotiated at the UN General Assembly and the Commission on the S latus of Women.

20 EN 8.
20 EN 8.

Investments and entrepreneurship for sustainable development In line with the I CELAC-EU Santiago Declaration, tbe main objectives in this area are: i) to promote hi-regional investments of social and environmental quality to achieve sustained economic growth while promoting social cohesion and inclusion and protecting the environment.
Such investments contribute, among others, to increased trade flows, job creation, technology transfer, stimulation of innovation, fiscal revenues, support and development of auxilimy industries; ii) to promote entrepreneurship as a driving force of economic and social development and; iii) to facilitate the conditions that foster entrepreneurship and innovation, remove obstacles, build capacity and increase competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and new social actors of tbe economy.
Work Programme: *Dialogue a.

Set up a dialogue at an appropriate level to develop the main aspects of investments and entrepreneurship between both regions, such as the CELAC-EU Ministers of Economy Meeting, held in Puerto Varas, Chile.
*Cooperation activities and initiatives b. c. Encourage cooperation between investment promotion agencies of each country and tbe coordination of investment efforts, in order to share information on investment opportunities in our countries and exchange effective public policies in productive development.
Promote open, stable, predictable and transparent regulatory frameworks to encourage investment and provide legal certainty to investors and local stakeholders, while recognising the sovereign right of states to regulate.

Promote also compliance witb national and transparency, the protection of international law, inter alia on taxes, enviromnent, social security and labour.

in particular, 21 EN .. d. e. f. g. h. 1.


Promote the implementation of the UN Convention against Comrption and, within this framework, consider participating in the work of the International Anti-Cormption Academy.

Promote public policies facilitating and expediting the creation and operation of enterprises, as well as those improving their conditions and access to financing, especially in the case of MSMEs.
In this regard, all available firmncial instmments should be mobilized, including but not limited to public investment, investment facilities financed by Official Development Aid (ODA), private equity, venture capital, micro-credits, risk capital, business angels and guaranties.
Strengthen the support of the financial institutions and international organizations -in their evaluation processes of lending- to those investment projects which respect internationally recognised social and environmental criteria within the context of sustainable development, taking into account, where appropriate, the needs of the developing countries.
Promote entrepreneurship within higher, technical and vocational education and trammg systems, in order to adapt the skills and competences of students to labour market needs.

Promote decent work inter alia thrmrgh the ILO programme for sustainable enterprises.
Include, when possible, the guidelines and intemationally recognised principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the definition of policies and national plans to promote good corporate behaviour, such as encouraging the timely payment to suppliers, particularly ('-,iSME) by the public and private sectors J.

Promote public policies which encourage transparency on the part of enterprises as regards social, envirorunental and human rights matters.

*Expected results k. 1.


Seminar of national investment promotion entities, aimed at exchanging expenences and promoting coordination of investment effmis.

Appointment in each country, as appropriate, of an official at the highest possible political level ("Mr. or Ms. MSMEs") to deal witb the issues related to MSMEs, exchanging best practices with their counterparts from other countJies.
m. Holding, as appropriate, of a "week for the promotion of MSMEs" in each country simultaneously, an initiative that has already been done successfully in countries of both regwns.

n. Invite countries to consider submitting a repmi of national action plans on CSR- if applicable - at the next CELAC-EU Summit of Heads of State and Government, in 2015.
22 EN o. Bi-regional meeting on model enterptises applying the concept of corporate social responsibility as regards social, enviromnental and human tights matters.

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9.
23 EN . '

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9.

Higher education The objective is to give a new impetus to EU-·CELAC cooperation in higbcr education and to suppor1 inclusive development ofhigller education sector, including equitable access and quality, by facilitating the sharing of knowledge and technology transfers through institutional strengthening, capacity building actions and mobility of students, researchers, experts, academic and administrative staff.
In addition, it will promote higher education and life-long learning and inclusive education, taking into account the needs of the young population and persons with disabilities according to the specificities, priorities, development policies and academic systems in each country.

*Dialogue a.
*Dialogue a.

Promote joint activities and research projects in the higher education sector, taking into account, among others, the CELAC-EU Academic Summits and the Sunnnit of Presidents of Councils of Rectors ofEU-CELAC countries, in close interaction with the EU-CELAC Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation (JIRI).
* Cooperation activities and initiatives b. c. d. d. Support and contribute to the development of bi-rcgional, regional, sub-regional and national programmes aimed at strengthenll1g and modera·izing the higher education systems, taking into consideration the specificities and national systems.

Contribute to the development of a future CJ':LAC-EU Higher Education Area.
Support EU-CELAC dialogue in terms of quality and recognition of higber education degrees and systems to contribute to building the EU-CELAC Knowledge Area as stated in the Santiago Declaration (EU-CELAC Summit 2013).

Bilateral agreements for recognition of degrees and curricula, in the frame of the university autonomy, acting as an initiative to bring closer the European and Latin American and Caribbean higher education systems, should be encouraged.
Foster the hi-regional dialogue between the universities and other higher education institutions especially in the framework of initiatives such as the Academic Sunnnit and the Council of Rectors in coordination with central institutions such as the ministries in charge of higher education and their respective networks, with a view to promoting hi-regional academic cooperation.

24 EN e. f. g. h. 1.


J. k. L Enhance cooperation of higher education based institutions on the previous, on-going and future EU and CELAC higher education cooperation progranunes in order to strengthen the higher-education pillar of the hi-regional strategic partnership and promote mobility of students, teachers, and staff and exchanges between higher education institutions from the EU and CELAC countries.
Encourage higher education exchanges drawing inter alia on previous and ongoing experiences funded by EU Member States and CELAC countries including building on the expertise and knowledge of alumni and encouraging their experience sharing.

Support the development of joint programmes at Masters and Doctoral levels between the two regions on the basis of excellence, relevance and complementarity.
Support higher education projects, programs and scientific meetings to enhance joint scientific and research initiatives.

Support professional training through academic and administrative staff mobility and public private partnerships in liaison with the productive and other sectors of national interest.

Support CELAC and EU higher education institutions in fostering social inclusion and cohesion, technology transfers, knowledge, innovation and growth.
Promote the exchange of good practices on statistical data generation, methodologies and research procedures.

Support higher education projects, programs, scientific meetings and initiatives promoting gender equality in science and research.

* Expfcted results m. o. p. q.


Increase regional, hi-regional, and sub-regional integration and comparability of higher education systems to improve quality and relevance through mobility of students, researchers, staff, and academia cooperation and, exchange of experiences between EU and CELAC regions and under other national, bilateral or multilateral progranunes.
Encourage the development of bilateral agreements for recognition of degrees and curricula, in the frame of the university autonomy, acting as an incentive to bring closer the European and Latin American and Caribbean higher education systems.

Encourage dialogue between the institutions of both regions in order to contribute to the development of higher education of quality and recognition systems.
Support existing and new hi-regional projects for higher education cooperation internships and mobility under EU and CELAC higher education cooperation programmes, and under other national, bilateral or multilateral programmes.

25 EN " " r. Promote capacity building actions for irmovation and excbange of EU-CELAC best practice to boost knowledge and skills in order to address the development needs of both regions.

26 EN 10.
Citizen Security The main objective in this area is to support actions in order to strengthen c1t1zen security, recognizing: i) that it is essential for the development of both regions and the improvement of the quality of life and the well-being of their citizens; ii) that progress in citizen security does not stem from a single isolated policy or action, but from a multi-sector and multi-dimensional approach and a series of social and inclusive public policies including preventive measures, promotion of culture of peace and non-violence, respect, promotion, protection and fulfihnent of all human 1ights, institutional reforms, sufficient public investment, genuine and effective participation of local actors, including communities and, where applicable, municipalities, broad and sustained political will, and the adoption of more modem and effective systems of information, iii) that there is not a one-size-fits-all model in order to tackle the issue of citizen security, and iv) that the basis and the rationale of citizen security is the protection of all human beings with full respect to the dignity and fundamental rights of the individual by enabling a safe and stable social, political and economic environment at all levels, and implementing strategies in accordance with national legislation and international law while respecting the sovereignty, tenitorial integlity and political independence of all States.
Work Programme: *Dialogue a.

With full respect for sovereignty and domestic legislation and according to national pliolities, encourage a joint reflection on: i) how to reinforce mutual understanding; ii) cooperation, including exchange of best practices and lessons teamed on citizen security, and; iii) the issue of the insecurity of citizens in each region as an important step in order to improve the dialogue and cooperation between both regions.

* Cooperation activities and initiatives b.


To promote and strengthen, according to national plimities and domestic legislation, actions of awareness-raising, mutual confidence and understanding concerning the issue of citizen security in each region.

27 EN " c. d. e. To support, in accordance with nationally and sub regionally defined priorities and policies, and relevant agreements, actions intended to strengthen cooperation on: i. citizen security, ii.

Strengthening networking, iii.


Citizen participation in the prevention of crime and violence, iv.

Participation in this regard of local actors, including conmmnities and, where applicable, municipalities, v. Development and transfer of technology and methodologies, capacity building, vi.

Exchange and dissemination of infmmation, lessons learned and best practices related, among others, to public policies, in particular on persons in conditions of vulnerability.
To share experiences, according to national priorities and domestic legislation, in areas such as social policies for the prevention of violence and crime, promotion of a cultme of peace and non-violence, law enforcement; rehabilitation, social reintegration, restorative justice, where applicable, institutional strengthening and capacity building on criminal justice systems and their institutions, fight against transnational organized crime, cmTUption and, as appropriate, challenges on penitentiary systems.
To strengthen the role of police and security forces with full respect of hwnan rights as relevant actors in the development and implementation of policies aimed at consolidating citizen security strategies in both regions.

These actions should recognise and take into account where relevant and appropriate the complementarity with the cunent efforts in the EU and Latin America and Caribbean countries.
*Expected results f. An intergovermnental seminar with a hi-regional view, open to public and private sectors, civil society and other stakeholders, aimed at identifying and addressing the issue of citizen security as an impmtant step in order to improve the dialogue and cooperation between both regwns.
28 EN g. h. An intergovernmental seminar with a bi -regional view, open to public and private sectors, civil society and other stakeholders, to exchange the lessons learned and best practices on social and inclusive public policies as an important step in order to improve the dialogue and implementation and cooperation between both regions, regarding strengthening of programs and social policies for the prevention of violence and crime aiming at promoting a culture of peace and non-violence, particularly muong the youth; institutional strengthening and capacity building on ctiminal justice systems and their institutions; the enhanced role of local actors, including communities and, where applicable, municipalities; law enforcement; rehabilitation, social reintegration; the reduction of social violence and as appropriate, challenges on penitentiary systems, and figbt against transnational organized crime, corruption as well as on the role of the police and security forces in the implementation of policies with full respect of human rigbts.
inter alia, the A Workshop with a bi-regional view, aimed at public and private sectors, civil society and other stakeholders to identify the measures that could be taken, - on a voluntary basis- in order to strengthen networking; the participation of citizens, local actors, including conununities and, where applicable, municipalities and all appropriate levels of government; development and transfer of technology and methodologies, training and education - including by hi-regional exchanges, dissemination and exchange of information, lessons learned and best practices to improve the design, support and implementation of public policies concerning the citizen security.
29 EN " "