ORU Fogar Welcomes Six New Members at its Meeting in Seville

At its meeting held on April 4, 2025, in Seville, Spain, the Executive Bureau of ORU Fogar reviewed the applications of new regions interested in joining the organization and approved the inclusion of six new members from Latin America, Africa, and the Maghreb. These new members are the province of Tucumán (Argentina), the states of Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil), the departments of Koungheul and Rufisque (Senegal), and the region of Beni Mellal-Khénifra (Morocco).

With these new additions, ORU Fogar strengthens its truly global and diverse character, expanding its network of intermediate governments committed to territorial development, decentralization, and the fight against inequality.

Tucumán is one of the provinces in northwestern Argentina, known as the “Garden of the Republic” due to its natural and agricultural wealth. Historically linked to the development of the sugar and citrus industries, it is also an educational and cultural hub, with an active political and social life.

Paraná, located in southern Brazil, is one of the most developed states in the country, with a diversified economy that includes agriculture, industry, and services. It has an estimated population of over 11 million people. Its capital, Curitiba, is internationally recognized for its innovative and sustainable urban policies.

Mato Grosso do Sul, located in west-central Brazil, is known for its vast biodiversity and for being home to a significant portion of the Pantanal, one of the world’s largest wetlands. With a population of nearly 3 million, its economy is based on agribusiness, livestock farming, and ecotourism.

Koungheul is a predominantly rural department in central Senegal, with a population largely engaged in subsistence farming. The region faces major challenges in access to services, but it has developed community development initiatives and efforts to strengthen local authorities.

Rufisque is a coastal region of Senegal near Dakar, with a significant port history. Today, it is part of the Dakar metropolitan area, experiencing strong urban pressure but also showing notable commercial and associative dynamism.

Beni Mellal-Khénifra is one of Morocco’s twelve administrative regions, located in the center of the country. Its economy is based on agriculture, particularly olive cultivation and livestock farming. The region also holds significant potential in renewable energies and water resources, along with a growing university infrastructure.

These new members not only enrich ORU Fogar’s geographic map but also bring fresh experiences, challenges, and best practices to a network that continues to grow, tightly believing that territorial development and decentralized cooperation are essential to building a fairer and more balanced world.