On Tuesday 20 February, the event "Alliance for Dual Training - First Meeting of the 2024 Council" was held, a meeting that brought together representatives of various institutions committed to improving technical education and vocational training in the region.

The session was opened by underlining the importance of this meeting as an opportunity to reaffirm ties and share visions on the future of dual training.

The presence of Elena Montobbio, the new director of ILO/Cinterfor, was highlighted and she expressed her commitment and enthusiasm to contribute to the strengthening of the cooperation network. Montobbio, with a vast experience in development cooperation and education in Latin America, underlined the relevance of dual training as a key tool to face the labour challenges of the region, expand opportunities and promote social inclusion.

During the meeting, the work agenda for the year was discussed, focusing on strategic areas such as curriculum development adapted to the demands of the labour market, training of trainers and tutors, and quality assurance in dual training. These issues were identified as crucial to effectively respond to Industry 4.0 needs and employability challenges in the region.

A significant moment of the event was the announcement that the Instituto Nacional de Formación Técnico Profesional (INFOTEP) of the Dominican Republic would assume the pro tempore presidency of the alliance for the year 2024. This decision was the result of a process of nomination and discussion among the members, always looking for the best way to strengthen and give continuity to the efforts of the alliance. INFOTEP presented its vision and the lines of work that would guide its presidency, including the development of a hybrid event scheduled for the end of June, aimed at further boosting collaboration among alliance members.

The meeting also served as a platform for the exchange of experiences among member countries. The importance of cooperation and networking to overcome common challenges and maximise the impact of dual training on the socio-economic development of the region was emphasised. In addition, the inequalities and social challenges faced by Latin America and the Caribbean were addressed, recognising the fundamental role of dual training in providing quality employment opportunities.

In conclusion, the "First Council Meeting 2024" of the Alliance for Dual Training reflects a proactive approach towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for the region through dual education and training.