Eusko Ikaskuntza will hold its 19th congress on 2, 3 and 4 October 2024 in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The purpose of this initiative will be to promote agreements at the country level that establish consensual bases for strategic decisions in the field of welfare policies.

One of the three axes in the Eusko Ikaskuntza proposal focuses on the socio-economic field, addressing various aspects related to the welfare of Basque society. The main challenges include understanding global welfare models, the relationship between production and welfare, and guaranteeing quality employment with fair conditions, a generational commitment, etc. In short, the aim is to achieve an equitable transition towards a sustainable economy, protecting affected workers and promoting equal opportunities.

CARE, WELL-BEING AND THE NEED FOR AGREEMENTS

Care highlights concepts such as vulnerability, interdependence, reciprocity, conciliation and co-responsibility. When we refer to inequitable care, care debt or care crisis, we are talking about the unfair and unequal distribution of responsibilities between States, markets, citizens, households and people. Historically, care has been addressed mainly in the family sphere, where women have played a central role. However, the knowledge of an unequal distribution and the debt of care to women has become evident thanks to critical theories and feminist actions. Society has largely depended on the time and emotional energies dedicated by women caregivers, which has led to a significant "debt of care" towards them.

Caring should be considered a democratic duty. In households, the responsibility for care must be shared between all cohabitants, regardless of their gender or age. At the public and private level, powers and organizations must commit to caring for all citizens, since not everyone can rely on family structures to meet their care needs.

OBJECTIVES

• Facilitate Consensus Building: Provide a favorable space for building consensus among the various actors involved in the process, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration for the development of country pacts on care and well-being models.
• Generate Comprehensively Sustainable Proposals: Develop comprehensive and sustainable proposals that effectively address challenges in the areas of care and well-being, considering economic, social, environmental and equity factors to ensure long-term results.
• Strengthen Citizen Participation: Promote the active and meaningful participation of citizens and relevant agents in the definition of pacts, promoting inclusion, diversity and representativeness of all voices in decision-making related to care and well-being.

DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE AND GENERATIONAL COMMITMENT

Demographic change and generational commitment are fundamental aspects that affect the provision of care, which has become an essential pillar for a satisfactory life and coexistence. In this context, it is clear that public administrations have the responsibility to promote and finance care throughout the life cycle, recognizing its importance both for individual well-being and for the harmonious functioning of society.

EMPLOYMENT AND CO-RESPONSIBILITY IN CARE

Inequality, and its political, social and economic consequences, continue to have a significant impact despite the redistributive policies deployed in recent years. To advance in its reduction, and in a more inclusive economy, a new social contract is needed that facilitates the creation of quality employment, among other objectives.

Likewise, the labor market must evolve towards a model that actively promotes co-responsibility in care, recognizing the importance of balancing family and work responsibilities. This involves implementing business policies that facilitate flexible hours, teleworking and work-life balance measures, allowing employees to devote time to their caregiving responsibilities without sacrificing their professional development. At the same time, public administrations must encourage this change through incentives and regulations that support inclusive work environments. Promoting paid parental leave, supporting childcare programs and establishing business practices that value co-responsibility are essential to creating a labor market that reflects and supports society's changing care needs.

With these actions, it is hoped to promoteover a participatory and collaborative approach in the formulation of care-related policies, as well as generating concrete and voluntary commitments to move towards a more just, inclusive and sustainable society.