Eight OECS Technical Advisory Committee Meeting on Human & Social Development focused on strengthening capacity, coordination, and resilient systems for responsive social inclusion & protection mechanisms

The Eighth OECS Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting on Human and Social Development was hosted by Antigua and Barbuda on April 17, 2023. It was held under the theme of "Touching Lives through Data-Driven Development" using a hybrid virtual and in-person approach. Permanent Secretaries and Directors from Human and Social Ministries across the OECS region and Development Partners came together for a one-day meeting to discuss key issues and challenges in human and social development at the technical level.
 
Discussions focused on improving coordination, strengthening capacity, access to data as well as information and strengthening of systems for the implementation of responsive and resilient social inclusion and social protection mechanisms. The meeting concluded with key decisions on the strategic priorities to be brought to the attention of Ministers for informational purposes and decision-making in the social sector.
 
The OECS Commission has a mandate, in accordance with the Revised Treaty of Basseterre (2010), to engender cooperation among Member States in an effort to achieve the harmonization of systems. The Social Inclusion and Social Protection (SISP) Unit of the OECS Commission pursues functional cooperation in the field of Social Development, in recognition of the value of the collaborative effort in dealing with very complex social issues and their impact on Small Island Developing States.A core aspect of the TAC meeting was the OECS Regional Social Inclusion and Social Protection (SISP) Strategic Action Plan 2023-2030.
 
 
 
In alignment with Article 23 of the 2010 Revised Treaty of Basseterre establishing the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Economic Union, the OECS SISP Strategic Action Plan 2023-2030 will set the foundation and serve as a key guiding document in the social sector for the OECS and toward a better quality of life for people in the OECS region through achieving the associated sustainable development goals (SDGs).
 
It aims at providing a common regional strategic action plan for addressing issues of social protection, equal access to quality social services and empowerment across the life-cycle for the OECS region. It emphasizes the promotion and protection of human rights, non-discrimination, respect for diversity, equality of opportunity, solidarity, security, and participation of all people