The meeting convened by the Progressive International, whose founding mission is to "unite, organize and mobilize the progressive forces of the world", brought together political, social and trade union movement leaders from more than 20 countries of the Inter-American region in Bogota on January 24 and 25, with the aim of building a collective position against the political, economic and geopolitical offensive promoted by Donald Trump and the economic sectors that promote a new wave of imperialist domination over Latin America and the Caribbean.

Public Services International (PSI) actively participated in the summit and was represented by Susana Barría, sub-regional secretary for the Andean countries, who stressed the importance of strengthening a regional strategy that articulates progressive governments with social and trade union movements, placing at the center the defense of democracy, sovereignty and the rights of peoples.

During the sessions of debate and elaboration of the final declaration, PSI promoted, together with other trade union organizations, a series of key inputs, stressing that the strategy of "Our America" should be understood not only as a political articulation, but also as a popular and social project, with the protagonism of the organized peoples.

Among the proposals promoted by PSI was the recognition of the role of social movements and trade unions as fundamental actors of popular power, indispensable to protect sovereignty and sustain democracy in the region. It was also reaffirmed that the defense of fundamental trade union rights, such as freedom of organization, collective bargaining and the right to strike, is a prerequisite for democracy, peace and social justice.

Another central theme raised by PSI was the need to guarantee universal access to quality public services as essential tools to break the cycles of structural inequality that erode democratic participation.

Finally, PSI supported the call to maintain a lively and permanent process of coordination between governments, political forces, social movements and peoples of the region, with the aim of moving towards a citizenship of the Americas with full guarantee of rights and defend the rights of workers, avoiding that precariousness and inequality continue to push millions to migrate in search of dignity.

"The participation of representatives of the trade union movement in the Summit made it possible to emphasize trade unions as the front line in the fight against fascism, and trade union rights, including those of public servants, as an enabling factor to be able to assume this role. PSI is committed to following up on this process as an integral part of our agenda to defend democracy, social justice and peace," said Barria. Several channels of concrete solidarity among the organizations participating in the meeting were agreed upon, as well as to convene in a few months in Cuba as a sign of regional solidarity with the sovereignty of the people of this island.

Our America: Declaration of San Carlos