The Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) and the Latin America Women’s Maritime Association (Red MAMLa) signed a Letter of Intent with the aim of establishing a joint cooperation agenda aimed at institutional strengthening, technical development and promotion of gender equity in the maritime, port and logistics industry in the region.

Through this instrument, both organisations intend to strengthen their collaborative links to contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic and social development in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), aligning technical and strategic efforts in areas of common interest.

The Letter of Intent provides for the exchange of experiences, documents and technical information, as well as the joint development of programmes and projects, including maritime, port and logistics technical training initiatives; formulation of sectoral public policies; consultancy and training activities that strengthen the role of women in this strategic area.

Likewise, both parties agreed to promote actively gender equality in sectors related to maritime and port transport and logistics, encouraging female talent as a means of improving regional competitiveness and the sustainability of the sector.

This agreement also provides for the possibility of carrying out other activities that are considered to be of mutual interest, subject to the availability of both organisations, without this implying any financial commitments on the part of either party.

The Letter of Intent was signed by Ambassador Walter Clarems Endara Vera, Permanent Secretary of SELA, and Macarena Cladera, President of Red MAMLa, within the framework of the joint commitment of both institutions to promote integration, technical cooperation and the equitable participation of women in the transformation processes of the regional maritime-port sector.

This initiative is part of SELA‘s Work Programme for 2022–2026, particularly in the Economic Recovery Area, and reinforces the organisation’s role as a facilitator of regional collaboration spaces that promote capacity building and institutional strengthening with a focus on inclusion and sustainability.