In a context of growing awareness of the shortcomings of the current economic system, Caritas Europe and Caritas Latin America and the Caribbean are collaborating to address issues of social and environmental justice at a global level. Both organizations, committed to Catholic social teaching, seek alternatives to indifferent globalization, seeking to put the economy at the service of people and the planet, following the teachings of Pope Francis in Laudato Si'.

During a series of workshops scheduled for February, April and May, organized respectively in Europe, Africa and now in Latin America and the Caribbean, the convergences between Laudato Si' and current research on alternative economic models will be discussed. These workshops will explore emerging visions, such as the "wellbeing economy" or "degrowth", with the aim of transforming the economy to meet the needs of all within the limits of the planet.

The exchange between Caritas Europe and Caritas Latin America and the Caribbean will allow both regions to learn and share experiences on incorporating Laudato Si' into their work and advocacy. Likewise, it is expected to establish political advocacy priorities related to a fair economy, based on the teachings of Laudato Si', in order to positively impact both continents.

We invite you to participate in this virtual workshop on May 23, 2024, starting at 15:00 UTC+2, through Zoom, register by giving click here. If you are interested in more information, please write an email to Gabriela Blanco (gblanco@caritas.org.ar) and/or Jose Oscar Henao (johenaom@caritaslatinoamerica.org).

We share the program:

Welcome and introduction

Opening speech - Maria Nyman, Secretary General, Caritas Europe & Nicolás Meyer, Regional Coordinator, Caritas Latin America and the Caribbean

Contextualization

Background on Caritas Europe's work towards a fair economy

Promotion at European Union level: relevant EU policy areas, trends at EU level

Objectives of this workshop and relevance of consulting with Selacc

Experiences and perspectives on the key pillars of an economy fair

Economic justice[LF1] - Speaker from Caritas LAC to be confirmed (8 min) & Q&A (5 min)

Climate justice - Speaker from Caritas LAC to be confirmed (8 min) & Q&A (5 min)

Energy transition -Speaker[LF2] from Caritas LAC to be confirmed (8 min) & Q&A (5 min)

Caritas Europe's vision for a fair economy

Conclusions of the workshop with the regions of Europe and Africa - Lucy Anns, Head of Social and Economic Policy, Cáritas Europa

Draft policy recommendations to the European Union - Luísa Fondello, Head of International Cooperation, Cáritas Europa

Discussions based on the following questions:

Based on the conclusions of the workshop with the regions of Europe and Africa and in the draft policy recommendations prepared by Caritas Europe so far, do you think we are going in the right direction? What is problematic or what is missing?

What do you think the EU's role should be in supporting a fair economy?

What should be Caritas Europe's role in supporting a fair economy, which meets the needs and aspirations of the people of LAC?

What should be Caritas Europa's main advocacy priorities in this context?

Conclusions and next steps steps

Final remarks - Maria Nyman, Secretary General, Cáritas Europe & Nicolás Meyer, Regional Coordinator, Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean

End of the workshop