Video in Spanish with subtitles in English.

From 2 to 4 May 2026, Bogotá hosted the International Forum Economies for Life: Towards a New International Economic Order, a space that brought together governments, social movements, Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) organizations, academics and territorial actors to advance the decolonization of the economic debate from the perspective of the Global South.

In the panel “Governance, Multilateralism and International Law”, Mauricio Rodríguez, Director of the Department of Social Prosperity (DPS) of Colombia, delivered an intervention deeply aligned with the principles of the SSE and with the vision of Economies for Life.

A shared trajectory: DPS – RIPESS – FMDV

During his intervention, Rodríguez highlighted the ongoing collaboration between DPS, RIPESS and the Global Fund for Cities Development (FMDV). This joint work has strengthened alliances between local governments, SSE platforms and social movements, consolidating a shared effort to transform territories through economic models that are fairer, more democratic and centered on life.

He also recalled key milestones in this trajectory, such as the ECOOVIDA international meetings (2024, 2025 and 2026), where articulations have been woven among community organizations, SSE platforms, women’s and youth groups, and governments committed to a just transition.

Key ideas from the intervention

Rodríguez emphasized that international instruments already exist —UN resolutions on SSE, the Sevilla Commitment, and the conclusions from Doha and New York— but their impact depends on how and with whom they are implemented.

Among his most notable messages:

  • “If we want to build an economy for life, the center and the protagonists must be the people in the communities themselves.”
  • “The instruments exist; the challenge is where we implement them and with whom.”

The urgency of a global alliance rooted in the territories

Rodríguez insisted that the transition toward just economies requires real alliances between peoples, communities, governments and social movements, as well as the direct participation of territorial actors in decision-making. Without this popular foundation, he warned, international commitments risk remaining declarations without real impact.