Inclusive Societies in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Inclusive Societies programme aims to reduce gender and social inequalities in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, focusing on women, young people and vulnerable groups, including the poorest households – that is, the bottom 40 per cent in terms of income or wealth. It reinforces the social dimension of the Global Gateway strategy through a comprehensive 360-degree approach.

The programme comprises two key initiatives:

- Regional Inclusive Societies Programme
- Social Accelerator

It plays a crucial role in the Team Europe Initiative on Inclusive and Equitable Societies in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), which aims to improve access to social rights and services, promote resilience and social innovation, and strengthen inclusive institutions.

The programme reinforces the social dimension of the EU-LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda through a comprehensive 360-degree approach. It promotes high social, environmental and governance (ESG) standards, supports climate neutrality and the green and digital transitions, and upholds human rights, the rule of law, non-discrimination, decent work, education, gender equality, youth, social rights and the reduction of inequalities.

The expected results are:

- Improved access to social rights, services and justice for vulnerable groups, including women, children, young people and the poorest 40 per cent of households in terms of income or wealth.

- More inclusive, accountable and transparent public institutions that promote gender-sensitive public finance models and strengthen social policies and protection systems, with a focus on women, children, young people and the poorest 40 per cent of households by income or wealth.

- New solutions and investments that drive social innovation, resilience and inclusive, socially responsible green and digital transitions.

Project objectives

Reducing inequalities

To reduce gender and social inequalities, reduce poverty and exclusion, and promote social cohesion within and between the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.