Ministerial Session II: Empowering local communities and the grassroots economy: Innovative tools and new approaches
Oct 22, 2024 | 3:30 PM - 4:45 PMBogota, Colombia
Oct 22, 2024 | 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Bogota, Colombia
Description
Social and productive inclusion implies that all types of people, enterprises and places have access to economic opportunities and a better quality of life. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the gaps between urban and rural areas are particularly marked, while within large metropolitan areas inequalities are also high. The grassroots and solidarity economy can not only pioneer new business models and the vision of essential services, but also represents an opportunity to strengthen the grassroots economy through partnerships with the state. These public-popular partnerships allow local communities to play a greater role in the provision of essential goods and services, such as public procurement or the construction of infrastructure, including tertiary roads, thus creating pathways to greater economic inclusion.
By promoting collaborative mechanisms between the public sector and the grassroots economy, innovative solutions can be generated that not only help to bridge territorial gaps, but also empower people on their way to formal employment and the creation of sustainable enterprises. The social and solidarity economy can be key to integrating the most underserved sectors, especially in rural areas, in a fairer, greener, and more digital transition, while engaging young people and contributing to the strengthening of local communities. This collaborative approach creates an environment where the grassroots economy is not only seen as a vulnerable sector, but as a crucial actor in building a more inclusive and resilient productive fabric.
