On June 29, 2023, Mr. Paul Stephen, regional director of the Multilateral Chamber of Commerce and Cooperation Israel Ibero-America (now the Israel Ibero-America Chamber of Commerce), visited the headquarters of the CECC/SICA Technical Secretariat in Costa Rica to sign a regional cooperation agreement in the cultural and social fields. The signing took place in a cordial atmosphere, with a view to strengthening bilateral relations between Central America and Israel.
What is the CECC/SICA?
The Central American Integration System (SICA) is the institutional framework for Central American regional integration, created in 1991 through the Protocol of Tegucigalpa. Its members are Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and the Dominican Republic.
The Central American Educational and Cultural Coordination (CECC/SICA) is the SICA body specializing in education and culture.
Objectives of the agreement between CILIB and the CECC/SICA
The main purpose of the agreement is to promote innovative projects that drive the social, educational and cultural development of the SICA member countries and the private sector of the State of Israel. Through this alliance, both institutions reinforce their commitment to creating synergies in strategic sectors that contribute to the well-being of their populations and foster the exchange of knowledge, technology and best practices.
The cooperation arising from the agreement covers several key areas:
- Promoting the exchange of technological knowledge.
- Supporting rural single-teacher schools.
- Developing human talent.
- Implementing initiatives that foster social development.
The agreement also seeks to deepen cultural ties between the two regions, recognizing intercultural dialogue as a fundamental pillar for growth and understanding among nations.
Statements during the signing of the agreement
During the ceremony, Mr. Paul Stephen expressed his enthusiasm for the start of this new stage of collaboration:
“This agreement represents a unique opportunity to further strengthen, from the private sector, the ties that bind Israel to the countries of the SICA region. We are convinced that, through this joint effort, we will be able to drive projects that generate a positive and lasting impact on our economies and societies.”
For its part, the CECC/SICA Executive Secretariat reiterated the importance of this agreement for consolidating the Central American integration process.
Meetings, seminars and forums on Central American education
The agreement includes a commitment by both parties to organize regular meetings, seminars and discussion forums on topics of common interest, such as strengthening education at the Central American level.
These events will aim to foster dialogue between public and private stakeholders and to generate concrete opportunities for collaboration that benefit the educational and cultural sectors of both regions.
CILIB and cooperation with Central America
CILIB reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the bonds of international cooperation and to the comprehensive development of the SICA member countries, and trusts that this alliance will translate into tangible results for their communities. See the Chamber’s cooperation agreements and the country profiles for Costa Rica and Israel.
