On September 13 and 14, the Andalusian Fund of Municipalities for International Solidarity (FAMSI) and the Provincial Council of Huelva, which currently holds the presidency of FAMSI, hosted the last meeting of the Executive Commission of the IV World Forum on Local Economic Development prior to the event, which will take place in Cape Verde, from October 17 to 20. The meeting was attended by representatives of the United Nations Development Program, through its ART Initiative (UNDP ART); the International Labor Organization (ILO), the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the Government of Cape Verde.

During the meeting, the last details of organizational aspects, such as the development of the sessions, agenda, ceremonies and logistics, have been reviewed by the Executive Committee to guarantee the success of the event.

The IV World LED Forum is part of an ongoing process, launched in 2011, that facilitates meaningful dialogue on LED and promotes exchanges on the topic among a wide variety of stakeholders. The event also aims to foster concrete cooperation and promote joint actions that can help localize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The main objective of the Executive Committee is, therefore, to ensure that all the perspectives and decisions that have fueled the forum process, since its inception in 2011, are integrated and materialized in all the contents and spaces that will be developed in Cape Verde.

The event, conceived as a platform for dialogue and exchange of experiences on LED, will particularly review in its 4th edition, experiences and assumptions that delve into three main thematic areas around LED as a basis for: i) integrated and cohesive territories, ii) resilient and peaceful societies in fragile contexts, and iii) sustainable and inclusive economies. Furthermore, the Fourth Global LED Forum will provide an opportunity to further reflect on key issues such as poverty eradication, employment and decent work, sustainable entrepreneurship, multi-stakeholder partnerships, including civil society participation, workers’ and employers’ organizations. There will also be a special focus on small island developing States.

These two days of work in Huelva also provided the opportunity to share and publicize the Forum and the LED process among Andalusian actors (autonomous, provincial and municipal), governments and civil organizations, who confirmed their commitment to participate and contribute to the process. .

If you are interested in learning more about LED strategies, click here to register and participate in the event in Cape Verde.