The first virtual meeting of the year of the Ibero-American tripartite social dialogue process on vocational training took place on 29 April. The session, which gave continuity to the discussions initiated in Lima in November 2023, brought together representatives of employers, workers and governments of the Ibero-American region.

The main objective of this meeting was to draw up a roadmap and a work plan for the year 2024, based on the main conclusions reached during the last meeting. "We are here with a lot of enthusiasm and energy to move forward and to promote this process of Ibero-American tripartite social dialogue on vocational training", said Gonzalo Graña, ILO/Cinterfor vocational training specialist.

During the session, the creation of a technical-political document was proposed as a reference framework for vocational training policies and programmes in the region. In addition, the importance of designing a comprehensive and systematic training plan to strengthen the capacities of the tripartite actors involved was highlighted.

One of the strong points of the dialogue was the need for effective collaboration between the different sectors to develop strategies that respond to current and future challenges in vocational education and training. "This is a process where the active participation of all is essential to reach consensus and develop policies that really address the needs of our region," said a trade union representative from Latin America.

The tripartite social dialogue process, which will run throughout the year, will include several virtual sessions and a face-to-face meeting planned for October. This collaborative framework aims not only to address immediate challenges, but also to establish a solid basis for long-term cooperation in vocational education and training in Ibero-America.

With high expectations and a clear focus on strategic collaboration, participants concluded the session, anticipating a year of productive activities that will continue to define the future of vocational education and training in the region.