Place: Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
Date: May 22, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. Colombia time / 21:00 UTC
Language: Spanish

The forum on financing mechanisms, international experiences and instruments for the Popular, Social and Solidarity Economy (EPSyS) will take place in the city of Ibagué on May 22, within the framework of the 2nd National Assembly of the Solidarity, Popular and Community Economy.

This space seeks to foster an international dialogue on financing tools, public policies, territorial experiences and strengthening mechanisms for the EPSyS, with the participation of strategic actors involved in cooperation, integration and the promotion of solidarity and popular economies.

Proposing Organizations

Administrative Department for Social Prosperity (DPS) – Government of Colombia

In partnership with: Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the Social Solidarity Economy (RIPESS)

Justification and Link with the Objective of the National Assembly

“The forum is held within the framework of the 2nd National Assembly of the Solidarity, Popular and Community Economy as a strategic space for dialogue, exchange and collective construction aimed at strengthening the institutional, territorial and organizational capacities of economies for life.”

The aim is to advance in financial mechanisms, public policy tools and cooperation instruments that help overcome historical barriers to credit, investment, markets and economic protection.

The forum is aligned with the Ten-Year Plan for the Popular, Solidarity and Community Economy 2026–2036, recognizing these economies as fundamental for sustaining life, social cohesion and territorial development.

Panelists

  • Mr. Mauricio Rodríguez, Director of the Department for Social Prosperity of Colombia and Executive Coordinator of the Ibero-American Network for the Promotion of the Social and Solidarity Economy.
  • Ms. Yolanda Amaya Herrera, Director of the Special Administrative Unit of Solidarity Organizations
  • Ms. Sandra Moreno Cadena, Executive Secretary of the Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the Social and Solidarity Economy
  • Mr. Carlos Alberto Rico, Representative of the Autonomous Communal University of Oaxaca
  • Mr. Hans Cediel, Foro de Economías Transformadoras y representante de RIPESS LAC
  • Ms. Florencia Murcia, Association of Peasant Women “Agua, Vida y Esperanza” – Asomucavye, Planadas, Tolima
  • Ms. Claudia Gimena Roa, Collective of Peasant Reserves of Santander

Conclusions: Mr. Carlos Duarte, Chair of the UN Working Group on Peasant Rights

Block 1. Opening and Political–Institutional Contextualization

Led by Mr. Mauricio Rodríguez and Ms. Yolanda Amaya Herrera.

This opening segment will contextualize the strategic importance of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) in current debates on productive inclusion, territorial development, economic democratization and the sustainability of life. It will present the objectives of the forum, the general framework of the National Assembly and the relevance of advancing in financing instruments that strengthen solidarity, popular and community economies.

Block 2. National and International Panel: Experiences, Mechanisms and Instruments for the SSE

  • Ms. Sandra Moreno Cadena
  • Representative of the Autonomous Communal University of Oaxaca
  • Mr. Hans Cediel, Foro de Economías Transformadoras
  • Ms. Florencia Murcia
  • Ms. Claudia Gimena Roa

Central panel focused on sharing national and international experiences, financing models and strengthening instruments for the SSE. Panelists will discuss financial inclusion mechanisms, ethical banking, solidarity funds, cooperative finance, territorial economic circuits, public policies and organizational strengthening strategies.

Block 3. Open Dialogue and Conclusions

Exchange among panelists, social organizations, academia and participants.

Final reflection: Mr. Carlos Duarte

Closing remarks: Mr. Mauricio Rodríguez