Seville, Spain — April 1 – 4, 2025
The 6th World Forum of Local Economic Development (WFLED), held from April 1 to 4, 2025, in Seville, Spain, convened global leaders, policymakers, and experts to advance discussions on inclusive and sustainable economic transitions. It was opened by Pierre Martinot-Lagarde, Special Adviser for Socio-Religious Affairs, ILO. One of the session of the forum was dedicated to South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) at the local level, the COP29-COP30 bridge – cross-country experience promoting just transition and decent work.
Anita Amorim, Head of the Emerging and Special Partnerships Unit at the ILO, opened the session by emphasizing the importance of SSTC in leveraging local knowledge and fostering solidarity among nations in the Global South and beyond. She highlighted the upcoming COP30 in Belém as a platform to showcase successful SSTC projects and launch new collaborative efforts.
Alongside Mrs. Amorim took part in plenary discussion about the triple transition: Opportunities for decent work, Local Economic Development and Social Justice. Discussions focused on inclusive policy frameworks, skills development, and social dialogue as key tools for managing these transitions equitably. Concrete examples from across the world highlighted how different actors are adapting to and shaping these changes. This panel brought together representatives from local and national governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and international institutions to explore how cities and regions can leverage these transformations to foster decent work, social justice, and sustainable local economic development.
The forum featured a distinguished panel of experts who shared their experiences and perspectives:
- Leandro Morais, Professor at São Paulo State University, discussed the role of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) in job creation and income generation, citing collaborations between Brazil and Guinea-Bissau.
- Carmen Guzmán, Professor at the University of Seville, presented the RED COMPARTE network, which connects social centers across Latin America to support sustainable economic initiatives.
- Jorge Téllez Carrasco, from the Andalusian Agency for International Development Cooperation (AACID), spoke about triangular cooperation initiatives between Andalusia, Senegal, and Morocco.
- Maher Jaber, Mayor of Barra do Quaraí, shared insights on the Tri-National Border Integration Committee’s efforts in cross-border cooperation for sustainable development.
Panellists underscored the significance of SSTC in leveraging local knowledge and fostering solidarity among nations in the Global South. Discussions highlighted how SSTC facilitates the sharing of innovative approaches to environmental sustainability, social justice, and the creation of decent work opportunities. The session explored how local economic development strategies, rooted in SSTC principles, can address global priorities such as the ecological, digital, and demographic transitions. Emphasis was placed on tailoring development models to the specific needs and contexts of individual territories, ensuring that solutions are community-driven and sustainable.
The forum served as a platform to consolidate alliances between governments, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector. By promoting dialogue and knowledge sharing, participants aimed to coordinate efforts and implement concrete measures that advance local economic development through SSTC.
As the world prepares for upcoming global summits, the insights and collaborations fostered during this forum are expected to play a crucial role in shaping future policies and initiatives for sustainable development.
For more information about the 6th World Forum of Local Economic Development and its outcomes, please visit LED Forum and South-South and triangular cooperation (SSTC) in ILO.