Social issues to play a more prominent role in the CAN
during the “Andean Year of Social Integration”

Lima, Dec. 16, 2010.- Acting Andean Community Secretary General Adalid Contreras Baspineiro stated today that in 2011, the “Andean Year of Social Integration,” social issues will be given a more prominent role to play in an effort to make them lead to concrete benefits for Andean citizens. 

He applauded the decision taken by the Andean Foreign Ministers to make 2011 the Andean Year of Social Integration, because --he explained-- "this will reinforce the efforts of the countries and of the Community and will reaffirm the commitment to boost the social dimension of integration for the peoples’ benefit by implementing policies to enhance equality.

Adalid Contreras Baspineiro pointed out that the intention is, during the Andean Year of Social Integration, to carry out programs, projects and actions in regard to, inter alia, health, employment, education, culture, citizen participation, equal opportunities, and food safety and sovereignty, targeting mainly the poorest and most vulnerable population sectors.  One of the key areas of action will be citizen participation and inclusion at the local, national and regional levels.    

As an example of the specific actions to be taken in 2011, he mentioned cross-border projects in fish breeding, environmental issues, intercultural education and sustainable development.  Territorial development efforts will also be pursued, incorporating good citizen practices.  The program will also include technological innovation in educational, health and small and medium enterprise (SME) projects.  

The acting Secretary General explained that although in recent years the social dimension of integration processes began to receive attention through the Integral Plan for Social Development (IPSD), 2011 should be considered the year of Andean-Amazon will and action in favor of the Good Life.