CELAC-EU Joint Initiative on Research and Innovation (JIRI), Eighth Meeting of High Authorities on Science and Technology CELAC-EU joint statement
1.The Eighth Meeting of High Authorities (SOM) of the Joint CELAC-EU Initiative on Research and Innovation (JIRI) took place on October 30, 2020 virtually, sponsored by Mexico, in its capacity as Pro-Tempore Presidency of CELAC
2. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. María Elena Álvarez-Buylla, General Director of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT) of Mexico, on behalf of the Pro-Tempore Presidency of CELAC, and by Ms. María Cristina Russo, Director of International Cooperation of the Directorate General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission. During the opening session, the participation of Dr. Laura Elena Carrillo Cubillas, Executive Director of the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), and Mr. Javier Niño Pérez, Acting Director for the Americas of the European External Action Service.
3.In total, more than 160 representatives from 40 countries participated in the meeting, hereinafter referred to as "the Participants".
4.In the high-level segment, the Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, spoke in his capacity as President Pro-Tempore of CELAC, and Ms. Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research , Culture, Education and Youth, representing the European Commission. They welcomed the consensus reached by the participants for the relaunch of the CELAC-EU Joint Initiative on Research and Innovation, through ambitious actions in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) that will contribute to promoting better solutions to most urgent global problems and achieve fair, inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.
5.The Participants recognized the importance of the strength of the CELAC-EU association, based on shared values and priorities, and highlighted the strategic role that Science, Technology and Innovation play to face the unprecedented challenges and disorders that faces the world, underscoring the importance of working together in these areas, for the benefit of our societies and future generations. Only through unity of purpose and determination can truly structural and long-term solutions be found for the benefit of the citizens of CELAC and the EU.
6.The Participants stressed the importance of cooperation in science and innovation in the face of COVID-19, in order to guarantee global access to medicines, vaccines and medical equipment, in particular to join forces in order to strengthen initiatives multilateral and bi-regional, including within the framework of WHO, PAHO, GAVI and COVAX.
7.On this topic, the meeting included a special session entitled “The World After COVID-19: Joint Response to a Global Challenge,” which highlighted the essential need to address the COVID-19 pandemic through common efforts and collaboration. for a sustainable recovery. During this session, Dr. Rebeca Grynspan, Ibero-American Secretary General; Dr. Hugo López-Gatell Ramírez, Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion of Mexico, and Mr. Jorge de la Caballería, Head of Unit for Latin America and the Caribbean of the General Directorate for International Cooperation and Development of the European Commission , they shared their perspectives.
8.The Participants highlighted the initiatives promoted through other multilateral mechanisms that promote international cooperation in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation, such as the STS Forum, the Ibero-American Knowledge Space (SEGIB) and the EU-LAC Foundation. They stressed the need to seek a better articulation of the actions promoted by the JIRI with these mechanisms in order to promote synergies, strengthen scientific ties and contribute to the CELAC-EU Knowledge Area..
9.The Participants welcomed the relaunch of the JIRI and the organization of three Preparatory Meetings for the Meeting of Senior Authorities, as well as the important role of the Focal Points designated by the members of both regions. The Participants expressed their appreciation to the Focal Points for their work to guarantee synergies between the Ministries of research and innovation, as well as for their contribution in defining the draft Strategic Roadmap 2021-2023 for the implementation of the Declaration Brussels and the CELAC-EU Action Plan on Science, Technology and Innovation.
10.At the meeting, based on the results of an intense, open and participatory preparatory process of consultations for the construction of consensus, the High Authorities reached a consensus on the future measures to be adopted, which are reflected in the draft Sheet of Strategic Route 2021-2023. Said agreed draft of the Strategic Roadmap [Link] will now be submitted for approval in accordance with the corresponding procedures. Once these procedures are complied with, PPT-CELAC and the European Commission will make a joint announcement to confirm the status of the document.
