Carina Dantas, CEO of SHINE 2Europe, was in Paris to take part in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) High-Level Policy Forum on New Frontiers for Social Policy: Investing in the Future, a high-level event that took place on 13 February 2025. This forum brought together ministers, policymakers and various stakeholders to debate key issues on the future of social policies, inclusion and digital innovation.
Among the main topics discussed was the need to reduce social and gender inequalities, which have continued to increase in the OECD area for four decades. It was emphasised that technology alone will not be enough to create a fairer and more equitable society. Artificial Intelligence (AI), for example, brings added challenges in this context, requiring concrete measures to ensure its use in an inclusive and ethical manner.
Another relevant point in the discussion was the issue of intergenerational mobility, which for many is no longer an achievable reality. The lack of opportunities for young people forces many to leave their countries of origin, which raises serious concerns about the social and economic sustainability of nations. In this context, Portugal’s Minister for Youth and Modernisation, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, stressed that a resilient society is one that provides opportunities for its young people, preventing the flight of talent and fostering sustainable growth.
The event is co-organised by Spain’s Ministry of Labour and Social Economy, led by Yolanda Díaz Pérez, in partnership with AARP and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Among the topics discussed were the mobilisation of new technologies to improve the coverage and efficiency of social programmes, the challenges of employment and social protection for diverse groups and the need to integrate social protection tools into just ecological transition strategies.
For SHINE 2Europe and the SHAFE Foundation, these challenges are crucial and require effective and innovative responses in the short term. The event was also an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen SHINE’s collaborative networks.