The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Consorcio de Gobiernos Autónomos Provinciales del Ecuador (CONGOPE) today signed a cooperation agreement that seeks to strengthen local governance and citizen participation in Ecuador.
During the signing ceremony that took place at the OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Vice President of CONGOPE, Julio Robles, said the agreement "represents an opportunity to continue strengthening the presence of local entities in this process of building institutionality" in the local governments of the country. He also expressed gratitude for the work of the hemispheric Organization because it provides "the possibility for this local voice to be strengthened in democratic forums like this one."
For his part, the Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, recognized "the important role that subnational governments play. The pandemic showed us that they are absolutely indispensable because of their direct contact with the people and the community and because of the capacity they have to not only carry out the tasks of democracies, but also of democratization. We want more just, equal, tolerant and inclusive societies and we can only effectively advance this effort by actively involving, empowering and giving a stronger voice to those who are closest to the communities," he concluded.
CONGOPE works to facilitate the public management capacities of provincial intermediate governments, which promote decentralization and autonomy, the closing of territorial gaps and sustainable development.
Reference: FNE-143929
