Brazil and Cuba promote comprehensive social protection systems

HAVANA, Cuba, September 23 (ACN) The first high-level meeting between Brazil and Cuba, taking place in Havana today and tomorrow, aims to share experiences in the design of public policies that promote comprehensive and resilient social protection systems, particularly in food security and nutritional sovereignty areas.

This meeting serves as a strategic platform for political dialogue, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and the development of synergies that strengthen the partnership between the two countries within the framework of South-South cooperation.

During the meeting, several ministers, officials, and experts from both nations, representing sectors such as agriculture, food production, public health, domestic and international trade, and foreign investment, among others, will present their contributions and results regarding the design and implementation of public policies to guarantee universal social protection.

In the case of Cuba, this faces various limitations and obstacles, including resource and technology constraints, stemming from the impact of the US blockade.

Experts from the Cuban National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI by its Spanish acronym), the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, representatives of FAO in the region, and other Cuban and Brazilian organizations and institutions will also participate.

It was also reported that Cuba has valuable results and experiences to share with other developing countries with which it collaborates to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to eradicating poverty and promoting more inclusive and equitable societies.

In fact, the Cuban government prioritizes the management of financial, technological, and material resources through international projects to strengthen the country's productive capacities.

It is also recognized that the Caribbean archipelago has the potential to increase food production and reduce its dependence on imports.

To this end, it has the Food Sovereignty and Food and Nutritional Security Law, which provides the country with an intersectoral approach to addressing these challenges.

On the Caribbean island in particular, projects are being promoted to enhance local agricultural and food production capacities, especially in rural areas, where territorial development strategies are being implemented to contribute to the national plan to reduce imports.

Cuba is intensifying its efforts in family, peri-urban, and urban agriculture, identifying opportunities to mobilize resources and technologies, based on priorities that largely align with the interests of businesses and investors from the South American nation.

Brazil has achieved remarkable results in the sustainable production, distribution, marketing, and responsible consumption of food.

The meeting's program includes a bilateral meeting between the Cuban government and a delegation from the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.

There will be a panel discussion on policies, programs, and the management of national social protection systems, as well as food and nutritional security and sovereignty, focusing on the fight against hunger and poverty.

Another panel will focus on "From Farm to Table" to strengthen food systems, emphasizing family farming and sustainable consumption, taking into account both urban and rural areas. On Wednesday, a dialogue is planned on the gaps and opportunities for bilateral cooperation.