Local and regional governments are no longer only implementing economic policies. They are helping shape the economies that communities need.
Held as part of yesterday’s Local4Action Track, the dialogue on the leadership of local and regional governments in inclusive and sustainable economic development brought together local leaders, international organisations and partners to discuss how territories can build more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economies.
Convened by the Andalusian Fund of Municipalities for International Solidarity (FAMSI) in collaboration with the UCLG Commission on Local Economic and Social Development, the session focused on how territories can respond to ecological, digital and social transitions while generating decent work, reducing inequalities and strengthening territorial cohesion.
Francisco Reyes, President of FAMSI and representative of the International Committee of the World Forum on Local Economic Development, underlined the need to strengthen multilevel cooperation and territorial action to respond to global challenges from an inclusive and sustainable perspective.
Speakers including Anthony Berthelot, Mayor of Indre, Sithole Mbanga, Chief Executive Officer of SALGA, Pieter Jeroense, Director General of VNG, and Brittany Merrifield, Mayor of Grand Bay-Westfield, addressed competitiveness, social justice, youth employment, local capacities, financing and the role of small and medium-sized municipalities.
Sandra Moreno, Executive Secretary of RIPESS, stressed the contribution of the social and solidarity economy to building more democratic, inclusive and sustainable territories.
The session also marked the official presentation of the seventh edition of the World Forum on Local Economic Development, to be held in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa, in October 2027. FAMSI and RIPESS also announced a cooperation agreement to strengthen their joint work around the Forum and other initiatives linking local governments with the social and solidarity economy.