Professionalization of the care sector and the use of artificial intelligence advocated at summit in Spain

Andorra's Minister of Social Affairs Trini Marín made important remarks defending her country's care model during international conferences held in the city of Avilés, in the Asturias region of Spain. Participating in the Sixth Ibero-American Conference of Labour Ministers and the Fourth Ibero-American Conference of Ministers of Social Affairs and Inclusive Development, Marín emphasized that these meetings were preparatory steps for the Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in Madrid in November. During the events, experiences regarding social problems arising from the aging population and situations of dependency, as well as solution proposals for these issues, were shared, and common strategies were determined.

In her speech, Minister Marín detailed the steps taken to strengthen care and support systems aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly, people with disabilities, or dependent individuals, supported by the Andorran government. She stated that the top priorities include the gradual expansion of the scope of home care services and ensuring the specialization of informal family caregivers (care workers) through continuous training, adding that this would make services closer, more inclusive, and need-appropriate. She particularly highlighted the need to professionalize the sector to make it more prestigious in the eyes of society and to protect the rights of workers.

In the context of working life and social policies, Minister Marín argued that the care sector should be seen not as a temporary solution but as a critical professional area requiring expertise, calling for those working in this field to receive continuous training and greater social recognition. Marín pointed out that legal and economic frameworks need to be strengthened to increase the dignity of the profession, stating that care workers must fully receive the return for their labor. Calling for the strengthening of social dialogue to improve employment conditions in the sector and increase worker motivation, she urged other ministers at the conference to take action in this direction.

Marín also shared her views on the role of technology in social services, noting that the digital transformation process and artificial intelligence applications have significant potential to increase the organization and quality of care services. However, she emphasized that the human factor and ethical rules must be kept in the forefront regarding the use of these technological tools, and that AI should not be implemented without human supervision and guaranteeing the rights of workers and users. She stated that technology should not eliminate the human touch but rather facilitate services, advocating for the responsible management of AI use with transparency.

In the final stage of the meetings, a document containing the joint commitments of the participating countries, named the 'Avilés Declaration', was accepted; this document envisages the creation of a joint action plan on strengthening care systems, increasing social inclusion, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Additionally, as one of the most significant results of the conference, the 'Ibero-American Care and Dester Document', which will serve as a reference framework for future comprehensive social policies, was signed. This document represents a ground for international cooperation for member countries to raise standards in the care sector and adopt a common approach.