ILO Caribbean provides key insights on inclusive labour migration at Curaçao symposium
Discussions explored socio-economic benefits of integrating migrants into job markets.
31 August 2023
© Human Rights Defence Curaçao
The International Labour Organization (ILO) joined a multi-stakeholder forum in Curaçao on 31 August 2023 to discuss the role of labour migration in effectively preparing the workforce to respond to current and future needs.
Titled "Advancing Inclusive Labour Markets in Curaçao: Exploring Innovative Approaches”, the symposium brought together policymakers, employers’ groups, trade unions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and development partners to discuss how to align education and skills development systems with evolving trends – including anticipated competencies that have not yet been introduced to labour markets.
It was hosted through a collaboration among the ILO, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Human Rights Defence Curaçao (HRD), the Social Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao, and the University of Curaçao (UoC).
“Of great importance is the re-adjustment of education, including technical and vocational education training (TVET) centres, to analyze how we can better match the needs of the labour market,” affirmed Dr. Francis de Lanoy of the UoC.
Delegates reviewed the correlation between demand and supply sides to develop strategies for employment creation. They also discussed how entrepreneurship development can contribute to job growth, which is particularly vital for vulnerable groups as youth, migrants, and refugees.
“Curaçao is at an important juncture, and we must aim for inclusiveness to close the gaps that currently exist,” declared Raul Henriquez, Director of the SER of Curaçao.
John Bliek, Specialist for Sustainable Enterprise Development at the ILO Decent Work Team, and Office for the Caribbean led a workshop titled “Skills for effective socio-economic integration of migrants” to highlight the positive impact that migrants can have on local economies. The session also focused how to develop skills among migrants so that they can become employed or entrepreneurs from a comprehensive approach that not only looks at the migrant but also to the host communities and their needs for economic growth and economic diversification.
“Eliminating skills deficits for migrants and host communities is vital to create a Curaçao with more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for all. It is key to forecast the skills needed for future jobs to support an evidence-based adjustment of educational and vocational services,” said John Bliek.
During the event, delegates encouraged finding innovative solutions for improving skills and training that extend across all socio-economic dimensions of Curaçao. They recognized the importance of social dialogue to bridge all perspectives, including those of governments, the private sector, and workers, to avoid fragmented interventions.
“We currently count on the national export strategy in which skills, and in particular skills for entrepreneurs, are a vital pillar for an enabling environment that creates successful businesses,” explained Jeanette Bonet, Interim CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency (CINEX).
“We need a paradigm shift which is integral with the right policies for all. Its particularly important to address the needs of the most vulnerable and persons with other capabilities such as migrants and the elderly,” said Ieteke Inchi Witteveen, Director of HRD Curaçao.
Following the symposium, the SER in its role as event organizer will prepare and circulate a manifesto that involves multiple stakeholders to serve as a roadmap to navigate the way forward based on the conclusions of this highly participative event.
Titled "Advancing Inclusive Labour Markets in Curaçao: Exploring Innovative Approaches”, the symposium brought together policymakers, employers’ groups, trade unions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and development partners to discuss how to align education and skills development systems with evolving trends – including anticipated competencies that have not yet been introduced to labour markets.
It was hosted through a collaboration among the ILO, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Human Rights Defence Curaçao (HRD), the Social Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao, and the University of Curaçao (UoC).
“Of great importance is the re-adjustment of education, including technical and vocational education training (TVET) centres, to analyze how we can better match the needs of the labour market,” affirmed Dr. Francis de Lanoy of the UoC.
Delegates reviewed the correlation between demand and supply sides to develop strategies for employment creation. They also discussed how entrepreneurship development can contribute to job growth, which is particularly vital for vulnerable groups as youth, migrants, and refugees.
“Curaçao is at an important juncture, and we must aim for inclusiveness to close the gaps that currently exist,” declared Raul Henriquez, Director of the SER of Curaçao.
John Bliek, Specialist for Sustainable Enterprise Development at the ILO Decent Work Team, and Office for the Caribbean led a workshop titled “Skills for effective socio-economic integration of migrants” to highlight the positive impact that migrants can have on local economies. The session also focused how to develop skills among migrants so that they can become employed or entrepreneurs from a comprehensive approach that not only looks at the migrant but also to the host communities and their needs for economic growth and economic diversification.
“Eliminating skills deficits for migrants and host communities is vital to create a Curaçao with more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for all. It is key to forecast the skills needed for future jobs to support an evidence-based adjustment of educational and vocational services,” said John Bliek.
During the event, delegates encouraged finding innovative solutions for improving skills and training that extend across all socio-economic dimensions of Curaçao. They recognized the importance of social dialogue to bridge all perspectives, including those of governments, the private sector, and workers, to avoid fragmented interventions.
“We currently count on the national export strategy in which skills, and in particular skills for entrepreneurs, are a vital pillar for an enabling environment that creates successful businesses,” explained Jeanette Bonet, Interim CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency (CINEX).
“We need a paradigm shift which is integral with the right policies for all. Its particularly important to address the needs of the most vulnerable and persons with other capabilities such as migrants and the elderly,” said Ieteke Inchi Witteveen, Director of HRD Curaçao.
Following the symposium, the SER in its role as event organizer will prepare and circulate a manifesto that involves multiple stakeholders to serve as a roadmap to navigate the way forward based on the conclusions of this highly participative event.