Jordi Cuadras: a voice for decentralized cooperation
The leader of the Spanish Confederation of Cooperation and Solidarity Fund, Jordi Cuadras, has been one of the outstanding speakers in the 6th World Local Economic Development Forum, recently held in Seville. In his speech, Cuadras represented the voices of the city councils of Spain that foster international cooperation policies, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in the current context.
The challenge of global justice
Cuadras addressed the essential role that local administrations play in the implementation of cooperation policies. He emphasized that these initiatives are crucial not only in combating hate speech, but also to promote global justice and mitigate the devastating effects of climate change, armed conflicts and forced migrations.
The impact on vulnerable communities
According to Cuadras, cooperation projects are designed to help those living in extreme vulnerability. “It is not just about improving living conditions, but also of guaranteeing survival in the face of abysmal inequalities and bloody conflicts,” he said. This perspective reveals the urgency of local actions in an increasingly globalized world.
Municipal policy as a driver of change
The President of Confocos emphasized the importance of municipalism as a tool for empathy and solution. “Municipal politics is what really connects with citizenship, allowing us to act effectively with the values that characterize us,” said Cuadras, referring to the concept of “glocity”, which promotes the interconnection between local and global actions.
An disturbing global context
Cuadras emphasized the critical situation of the current world, with the growth of ultranationalist movements that use immigration as an excuse to justify dividing speeches. He alerted the crisis of multilateral organisms, created to foster dialogue between Nations after World War II, and warned that the disintegration of economic ties can have devastating consequences for world peace.
An uncertain future
With such a polarized global scenario, Cuadras concluded that it is more important than ever for local institutions to continue working for international cooperation, seeking sustainable and fair solutions for the most vulnerable communities. His intervention at the Forum was not only a defense of local policies, but also a call for action for all those committed to a better future.