In an effort to promote a more just and supportive economy, Cáritas Europa has organized a series of workshops, the last one being held with the active participation of representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), on May 23.

Caritas Europa to listen and learn from Caritas LAC about:

• Your view on key policy areas related to a just economy: climate and economic justice;
• Your perspective and expectations on the role of the European Union in building a just economy, which has a positive impact in LAC;
• Your perspective and expectations on the role of Caritas Europa in advocating for the EU to promote a fair economy; fair.

The coordinator of Cáritas Europe, Maria Nyman, emphasized the importance of this meeting to consider alternative economic models that also reflect the concerns of the region, a priority for the cooperation of the European Union.

Nicolas Meyer, regional coordinator of Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean, expressed his satisfaction at seeing the commitment of the participants to the issues addressed, highlighting the importance of synodality in the church and the need to bring the voice of the territories to decision-making bodies.

I especially thank Cáritas Europa. The church proposes us to be synodal. This gesture that Caritas Europe is having is a gesture of synodality, which could speak live with the European Union, but they took the effort and time to listen to the territory. If they don't listen to the territory, there is no way to make an impact.

Luis Fondello, responsible for International Cooperation at Caritas Europe, highlighted the crucial role of the EU in decision-making bodies and pointed out the worrying trend of the EU focusing solely on its domestic problems, ignoring the realities of other regions. “This reflection drives us to advocate for a narrative that includes economic justice and inclusive green growth,” he stressed.

Listening to Latin American experiences

The workshop featured a presentation by two Latin Americans, Fr. David Solano, leader of the Integral Ecology team, and Giovanna Kanas, from Cárias Brasileira.

They, each in their presentations, highlighted the importance of addressing climate justice from a person-centered perspective linked to Human Rights. It focuses on protecting the most vulnerable and addressing complex problems, recognizing existing inequalities and working to reduce gaps, including the intergenerational dimension. Climate justice is seen not only as an ecological issue, but also a social one, integrating justice into discussions about the environment and promoting integral ecology and the common good.

Among the priorities identified are the rights of children, local communities, indigenous peoples, migrants and refugees, as well as gender equality and citizen participation. In addition, the need for a fair transition towards a decarbonized energy model, the protection of ecosystems and the reduction of inequalities is highlighted. From a Latin American and Caribbean perspective, the reduction of income, educational, gender and territorial inequalities is emphasized, and cooperation and active participation in the care of the Common Home is promoted.

Contributions and commitments

The participants contributed to Caritas Europa from their experiences and from two key questions: What do you think the European Union is doing that it should stop doing, and What are the important policy initiatives that the EU is not working on but should focus on? andWhat should be Caritas Europa's main advocacy priorities in the European Union?

The contributions converged on the four main points that we have highlighted:

• Cáritas Europa should focus on strengthening collaboration with partners outside the EU and holding European companies accountable in LAC.
• The climate justice and the reduction of inequalities must be key priorities.
• A just transition must be promoted, respecting local communities and their ways of life.
• The participation of civil society is crucial for an effective advocacy process.

In summary, participants emphasized the importance of a people-centered economy, respecting local autonomy and promoting responsible and sustainable lifestyles. Caritas Europe must be a strong voice in climate justice and in the fight against inequalities, ensuring that EU policies and actions are truly equitable and benefit the most disadvantaged.