The Conference on social rights - the European Social Charter has opened today at the Palace of the Republic in Chișinău, bringing together ministers and senior representatives from Council of Europe member states to discuss the future of social rights in Europe. The event is hosted by the Council of Europe and the Republic of Moldova's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
The conference will address the importance of social rights as enshrined in the European Social Charter, such as ensuring that workers receive fair wages and safe working conditions, that families can access affordable healthcare, and that persons with disabilities benefit from inclusive services and equal opportunities.
"Our experience has shown that when people feel protected, they are less vulnerable to manipulation. When they have opportunities, they are more confident in their future. That is why we continue our efforts to promote social equality - efforts that remain fully aligned with the principles of the European Social Charter. Because if we are serious about preserving democracy we must ensure that it delivers for all," the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, underlined in her opening speech.
"There is no democratic security without social rights," said Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset at the conference. "At a time of war, economic shocks and rising inequality, delivering on the European Social Charter puts social justice where it belongs: at the centre of democratic stability."
Leaders discuss way forward on social rights
The conference brings together ministers and other senior officials responsible for social rights and social policy, heads of Council of Europe institutions, as well as representatives of the European Union institutions, the United Nations and the International Labour Organisation. Participants also include representatives of civil society, social partners, academia, national human rights institutions, equality bodies and their European networks.
Discussions during the conference will address the importance of social rights for security, democratic stability and resilience, the Council of Europe's New Democratic Pact for Europe, and ways to further enhance the European Social Charter's impact. Participants will examine the pivotal role that social rights play in safeguarding security and democratic stability in a changing environment, while also exploring the future of work in the context of accelerating artificial intelligence and new technologies, as well as the complex challenges arising from multiple ongoing conflicts, demographic shifts and climate change.
Strong support from European countries for the European Social Charter
Later in the day, representatives of member states are expected to adopt a forward-looking declaration reaffirming their commitment to social rights and to the European Social Charter.
Several Council of Europe member states are expected to make formal declarations or submit letters of intent to accede to additional provisions of the European Social Charter, signalling their intention to further strengthen the protection of social rights.
At the end of the conference the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Alexandru Munteanu, will deliver the closing remarks.
The conference forms part of a broader programme of events held in Chișinău, including eleven side events addressing different aspects of social rights and social policy.
