In Shanghai (People’s Republic of China) this month, the
Caribbean Island of Curaçao defied its modest size, stepping into a global spotlight as it led critical
discussions on sustainability and international cooperation. During the annual meetings of the
International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS) on
November 5 and 6, Curaçao’s Presidency charted an ambitious course for the future, balancing bold
visions with the realities of implementation. Under the leadership of the Social and Economic Council
(SER) of Curaçao, significant decisions were made about sustainability, social dialogue, and international
partnerships. Yet, participants grappled with a key question: How can small nations like Curaçao make
their mark in shaping global agendas?
A focal point of the summit was the unveiling of the Sustainable Growth Index (SGI), a pioneering metric
designed to integrate social, cultural, and environmental dimensions into economic performance.
Presented by Hungarian scholar Prof. Dr. Gusztáv Báger, the SGI challenges traditional GDP as the sole
measure of national progress.
The index revealed stark disparities among member states: the Netherlands and Ireland excelled, driven
by innovation and sustainability, while Greece and other emerging economies faced pressing challenges.
“This is a wake-up call,” said Báger. “We need to reimagine what growth means—placing people and the
planet at the center of our metrics.”
While delegates lauded the SGI’s vision, its implementation posed significant hurdles. “The real challenge
is bridging the gap between theory and practice,” noted one participant. For resource-constrained nations
like Curaçao, this challenge is particularly acute. However, the Curaçao Presidency framed it as an
opportunity: “Small nations often lead with creativity and adaptability. It’s our responsibility to ensure these
solutions are heard on the global stage.”
Beyond sustainability, the summit emphasized enhancing partnerships with the International Labour
Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). In 2025, two new
working groups were launched to develop actionable policies, focusing on promoting inclusive growth and
deepening trust among global stakeholders. “Social dialogue is essential but fragile,” remarked a
representative from Zimbabwe. “It requires time, trust, and a willingness to listen—none of which come
easily.” These initiatives represent another step in AICESIS’s broader strategy to foster collaboration
across borders.
The summit also announced a renewed partnership agreement between AICESIS and the ILO, which will
be formalized in 2025. That same year, Madrid, Spain, will host a joint ILO-AICESIS conference, further
cementing their shared commitment to advancing global social justice.
One of the summit’s highlights was the announcement that Curaçao will host the next AICESIS General
Assembly in November 2025. The event will mark the conclusion of the SER of Curaçao’s presidency, a
term defined by bold leadership on international issues. “This is not just an ending; it’s the start of
something new,” the Curaçao Presidency stated. “We aim to show how small nations can play a vital role
in tackling global challenges.”
The Shanghai meetings also provided a platform for new collaborations. Zimbabwe officially joined
AICESIS, while discussions with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
explored future initiatives. The OECD presented its Global Deal initiative, a project aimed at fostering
equitable labor relations and sustainable economic growth.
Additionally, AICESIS announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Economic
and Social Committee (EESC). The MoU will lay the foundation for deeper cooperation between the two
organizations, focusing on shared priorities such as social justice and sustainable development. Dimitris
Dimitriadis, President of the EESC’s External Relations Section, called the agreement “a critical step
toward bridging Europe and the rest of the world through AICESIS.”
While the summit highlighted progress, it also underscored the challenges of translating ambitious goals
into real-world impact. Throughout the discussions, participants returned to a common theme: How can
global frameworks deliver meaningful change on the ground?
For AICESIS, the answer lies in collaboration. “Our strength is in bringing together diverse perspectives,”
the Curaçao Presidency emphasized. “But the real test is turning those ideas into action—and that
responsibility lies with all of us.”
As Curaçao prepares to host the next General Assembly, it stands as a testament to the influence of
small nations in global diplomacy. The coming years will reveal whether these collective efforts can shape
a more inclusive, sustainable future.
