The VI World Forum on Local Economic Development focuses on the financing of local and regional governments
The VI World Forum on Local Economic Development, which will take place from April 1 to 4, 2025, in Seville, will center its attention on the financing of local and regional governments, one of the three main pillars of this edition. Convened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the Organization of Regions United/Forum of Global Associations of Regions (ORU Fogar), and the Andalusian Fund of Municipalities for International Solidarity (FAMSI), the event is supported by the Seville City Council, the Seville Provincial Council, the Regional Government of Andalusia, and Spanish cooperation. The other two pillars of the program are: “The triple transition, decent work, and social justice” and “Caring local economies: instruments, policies, infrastructure, services, and people for territorial cohesion and balance.”
Since its inception in 2011, also in Seville, this forum has established itself as a global benchmark in the field of local economic development. Subsequent editions in Foz de Iguazú (Brazil, 2013), Turin (Italy, 2015), Praia (Cape Verde, 2017), and Córdoba (Argentina, 2019) addressed fundamental issues such as economic resilience, social cohesion, and strategic partnerships. In each edition, the exchange of experiences and the definition of innovative policies to strengthen sustainable development in territories have been promoted.
The financing of local and regional governments will be one of the central topics of this forum, with the participation of representatives from chambers of commerce, business organizations, and cooperation agencies who will share their experiences and proposals to ensure the economic sustainability of territories. The discussions will address key aspects such as the generation of own resources, access to external financing, public-private partnerships, and the role of international cooperation in mobilizing funds and technical capacities.
In this context, ORU Fogar’s participation will be prominent, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening intermediate governments and their financial management capacity. The organization will lead several sessions to analyze innovative financing tools and showcase success stories from regions that have overcome economic challenges through effective strategies. ORU Fogar emphasizes that decentralization is essential to ensuring economic autonomy and the efficiency of public policies in territories.
The forum will also feature roundtables, workshops, and plenary conferences that, alongside financing, will address the other two main pillars of this edition: the green transition and inclusive development. Discussions on these topics will focus on the adoption of sustainable technologies, the creation of low-carbon economies, and the building of more equitable societies. Regional leaders, international experts, and representatives from global organizations will share practical knowledge and strategic visions.
The support of the Seville City Council, the Seville Provincial Council, and the Regional Government of Andalusia underscores these institutions’ commitment to an event that positions the region as an international benchmark in local economic development, sustainability, and territorial cooperation. This backing, along with the participation of key actors from the business and cooperation sectors, ensures the relevance of the solutions that will be proposed.
The VI World Forum on Local Economic Development is shaping up to be a crucial platform for discussing and building strategies to help local and regional governments overcome their financial challenges. Once again, Seville becomes the epicenter of a global dialogue aimed at advancing toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.
Information: https://ledworldforum.org/
Registration: https://ledworldforum.org/register/
Concept Note: https://ledworldforum.org/es/vi-foro/marco-conceptual/
