The Inter-American Center for the Development of Knowledge in Vocational Training (ILO/Cinterfor) celebrated its 60th anniversary with authorities, regional representatives of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations system, workers, employers, and government officials.

The commemorative event took place at Cinterfor's headquarters in Uruguay, recognizing the organization's contribution to the promotion of decent work and vocational training in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Anne Caroline Posthuma, the Director of Cinterfor, acknowledged the work of all individuals and institutions that have been part of the Center's 60 years of existence and who have helped fulfill its mission. Posthuma highlighted the collaborative work carried out in Uruguay with representatives of workers, employers, government, and training institutions.

The event was attended by the Minister of Labour, Pablo Mieres; the President of PIT CNT (the National Workers' Union), Marcelo Abdala; the representative of the employers' sector, Gerardo Garbarino; the Acting Regional Director of the ILO for Latin America and the Caribbean, Claudia Coenjaerts; the Director of the ILO Office for the Southern Cone, Fabio Bertranou; and the Resident Coordinator, Pablo Ruiz, among others.

Claudia Coenjaerts, the Regional Director, stated that vocational training should be at the forefront and center of any policy that looks to the future of youth and any society aiming to overcome poverty. She commented, "For these reasons, we are so proud of Cinterfor." Furthermore, she added, "...for the ILO, training is an essential instrument for the development of people's rights. Our region is the only one in the world that has a center like Cinterfor. The ILO continues to emphasize vocational training to build the future we need."

Marcelo Abdala, the President of PIT CNT, emphasized that Cinterfor is a close organization, a space for consultation and advice to address complex issues. He stated, "...for us, it plays a significant role in the labor movement. When we talk about the ILO, we talk about dialogue, collective bargaining, and the search for agreements, and we have several challenges ahead."

Gerardo Garbarino, representing employers, pointed out, "To talk about Cinterfor is to talk about more than 66 institutions, a space and network that is strengthened by the exchange of all of us, seeking to generate value for the country. We want to strengthen these bonds to continue working together."

Minister Mieres emphasized that the world of work is experiencing rapid technological changes, and the role of Cinterfor is becoming increasingly important in this context. He concluded, "Cinterfor's mission and task are increasingly real and important for the world we live in. We reiterate the government's support and pride in having this institution in Uruguay."

At the end of the event, the authorities and representatives from different sectors inaugurated the "Uruguay Room," where a photographic exhibition about the Center is displayed.