Academic EU-CELAC FORUM
CELAC and the European Union together represent a significant share of global economic (21%), political (1/3 of UN membership), and demographic power (14%). The summit constitutes the main forum for dialogue and coperation between EU and CELAC states, which maintain regular high-level contacts through several bi and subregional political and sectoral dialogues and coordination mechanisms.
In the current geopolitical landscape, the EU-CELAC partnership faces both new opportunities and mounting challenges. Multilateralism is under strain from trade disputes, heightened tensions among major powers, migration crises, extreme climate events, and increasing democratic backsliding. These global dynamics underscore the urgency for both regions to work together in strengthening an international order grounded in rules, cooperation,and negotiation.
Recognizing the importance of broad-based engagement in advancing these shared objectives, in point 37 of the joint Declaration of the EU-CELAC Summit 2023, the parties took note of the parallel events organized ahead of the EU-CELAC Summit, acknowledging the relevance of such events. Building on this precedent, the proposed
EU-CELAC Forum: Knowledge for Shared Futures aims to bring together academia, governments, civil society, private sector, NGO’s and young leaders from both regions to provide evidence-based insights and innovative policy ideas aligned with the priorities of the IV EU-CELAC Summit.
