Transition towards a sustainable future

The role of territories in times of uncertainty

The V World Forum on Local Economic Development (WFLED) was held from May 26 to June 1, 2021. Given the current context, this edition of the event was organized in a totally virtual and innovative format.

Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

Hosted by Córdoba, Argentina, the 5th WFLED addressed some of the most pressing issues related to LED and its potential to support the transition to a sustainable future. In short, he analyzed the role of territories in times of uncertainty.

This event has been part of an open work process that promotes international dialogue and the exchange of experiences in Local Economic Development. It provides the opportunity to transform a global alliance of actors into concrete alliances at the national and local level. Its remarkable potential comes from the large number of diverse leaders and professionals from national and sub-national governments, the private sector, academia, civil society, and others. They work together to stimulate sustainable local development policies, to achieve their final implementation on the ground.

The Forum is an ongoing process that culminates every two years in a global event. It started in 2011 in Seville, Spain, with the first edition of the World Forum for Local Economic Development. In 2013, the second edition was held in Foz de Iguazú, Brazil; the third edition was held in 2015 in Turin, Italy; and the fourth edition in Praia, Cape Verde.

Regional forums, side events and training activities are an integral part of this process. For example, Barranquilla, Colombia hosted the Third Regional Forum on Local Economic Development for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2019.