International Cooperation is a strategic area for the Social and Economic Development Council, and has direct impact on its nature, structure and agenda. It aims to establish relations with international agencies and similar institutions in different countries or regional blocs. CDES is affiliated to the International Association of Social and Economic Councils and Similar Institutions - IAESCSI.

In January 2006, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CDES and the UN for cooperative action towards the promotion, strengthening and the creation of social and economic councils in Latin American countries interested in establishing such democratic institution. Aiming the dissemination of the concept and of the social dialogue tools, activities presenting CDES experience were carried out in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Guatemala and Mexico.

CDES also maintains various bilateral agreements with social and economic councils in other countries, international institutions and governments, always seeking to perfect its internal works through the exchange of experiences with other countries, increasing its insertion on the international scenario, turning the Council into an instrument of national and international recognition.

CDES believes that the construction of dialogue between the civil societies of the various countries is an important tool in defence of the democratic systems, contributing to the construction of social relations that promote pluralism, solidarity, justice, cooperation, equality and peace.