Regional Cooperation and Integration

Regional cooperation and integration are fundamental in achieving inclusive social development. Therefore, Agenda 2030 encourages to strengthen it, particularly in SDG 16 and 17. 

As emphasized by the Regional Agenda for Inclusive Social Development (RAISD), the challenges of Agenda 2030 require not only action at the local and national level, but also by the international community articulated through constant dialogue. Within this framework, various levels of sub-regional work are highlighted, including alliances, agreements and actions between different countries, examples of spaces for integration and South-South or triangular cooperation.

Advancing towards an inclusive social development within the region, requires further discussion on the challenges that regional cooperation and integration can and should address.  Not only international relations through government entities allow for progress in this area of the RAISD; contributions from civil society, academia or non-profit organizations are also key actors. Therefore, one of the challenges within this axis is the articulation of all the actors that can cooperate with their capacities and knowledge.

• What can be learned and innovated from the experiences of others to move towards achieving sustainable development in the region?
• What are the spaces for collaboration that we can foster so as to leave no one behind?
• How can cooperation help a better recovery from the COVID-19 crisis?

We invite you to share experiences, challenges and opportunities of cooperation to improve social welfare in the region.