Thematic Round Tables and Parallel Sessions
“Local economic development” should include essential transversal elements: · Gender equality. It is not possible to contemplate economic development strategies without tackling the longstanding injustice that marginalizes women. · Environmental sustainability. We cannot contemplate economic development strategies that do not consider the rights of future generations to enjoy the planet’s resources. · Social inclusion. We cannot consider local economic development strategies that do not guarantee a reduction in the gap between rich and poor.
establish alliances with local partners to promote these local economic development initiatives. Concerning international cooperation in Local Economic Development, SouthSouth and triangular cooperation is fundamental. These have become an alternative and complimentary mechanism to traditional North-South cooperation and are appropriate for addressing the specific needs of the global South as it is based on non-interference in internal affairs, equality between development partners, respect for independence, cultural diversity and identity: and local contents. The former supposes a need to begin development and apply more structured collaboration initiatives between southern cities, in particular in questions relating to local economic development. This makes it necessary to promote experiences and improve practices and to develop networks of key actors in the implementation of local economic development strategies.
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