This Monday, October 7, the meeting of local and regional development agencies of the Latin American and Caribbean region took place with the aim of feeding into the process of the World Forum on Local Economic Development (WFLED) to be held in Seville, Spain, from April 1 to 4, 2025.

In the framework of the preparatory process towards the Seville Forum, territorial agencies and instruments from more than 10 countries were represented at the meeting, sharing ideas and experiences on how to address the challenges and opportunities faced by development agencies in the region.

During the meeting, key issues to be addressed in Seville were discussed, such as the need to strengthen alliances, establish multi-level and multi-stakeholder dialogues, as well as having the opportunity to share good practices with other territories, among others. This approach of cooperation and mutual learning was highlighted as essential to address common problems and develop innovative solutions that can be adapted to local realities. 

The contributions of the agencies have been key to the process of the World Forums, sharing and discussing best practices in territorial development, allowing for greater collaboration between different local actors, with a positive impact on the formulation of policies that benefit the most vulnerable communities and promote balanced development in the territories.

Since their creation, local and regional economic development agencies (LEDAs) and other instruments for promoting local territorial development have played a crucial role in promoting policies and strategies that strengthen economic and social development, and have been especially important in fostering inclusive, equitable and sustainable development, adapted to local realities.

In particular, the Latin American and Caribbean region has played a leading role in this area, fostering community participation, promoting local economic growth and facilitating the implementation of projects that generate employment, improve quality of life and promote environmental sustainability. 

These meetings represent an essential contribution to building a global agenda for territorial development that is inclusive and sustainable, reinforcing the commitment of local and regional actors in promoting policies that respond to the needs and particularities of their territories.

The WFLED is a partnership process promoted by the International Committee, which is made up of the Andalusian Fund of Municipalities for International Solidarity (FAMSI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), ORU-Fogar, and the World Forum on Cities Development (FMDV). Additionally, organizations such as the OECD, GSEF, RIPESS and CGLF also participate in the Extended Partnership Committee.

From its position on the International Committee, FAMSI leads, in its dual role as Chair of the Committee on Local Economic Development of UCLG, the World Secretariat of the Forum.