The delegation, which included Isabel Muñoz, Councilor for Cooperation and Volunteering of L'Alfàs del Pi, took part in various initiatives to exchange knowledge and gain firsthand insight into projects being developed in the South American country. The main objective was to follow up on actions, share expertise with institutional representatives and local organizations, and identify needs and potential avenues for future collaboration.
The mission's agenda focused on topics such as universal accessibility, gender equality, women's leadership in local politics, and sustainable tourism development. Two key projects were promoted in collaboration with the Centro Ecuatoriano para la Promoción y Acción de la Mujer (CEPAM): one focused on the accessibility of people with functional diversity and the recognition of caregivers, co-financed by the Consistory of Quart de Poblet; and another, 'Tejiendo el empoderamiento de mujeres autoridades locales' (Weaving the Empowerment of Women Local Authorities), co-financed by the Directorate General for Inclusion and Development Cooperation of the Generalitat Valenciana.
One of the most significant meetings was the municipal gathering 'Universal Accessibility and Inclusive Governance without Barriers,' held in Cotacachi on October 20 and 21. This event brought together representatives from Ecuadorian local governments, associations for people with functional diversity, and social organizations, alongside Valencian elected officials, to share best practices in removing barriers and improving access to public services.
Additionally, the delegation participated in the national meeting 'Safe Territories, Caring Municipalities,' in Quito (October 22-23), which focused on local equality policies, care systems, and the challenges faced by women in public office. This event is part of the project 'Weaving the Empowerment of Women Local Authorities,' aimed at strengthening the capacities of Ecuadorian mayors and councilors.
The mission also included activities related to sustainable tourism development in the Cañari People's Corridor, in collaboration with the Mancomunidad del Pueblo Cañari and co-financed by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), with the goal of boosting the local economy.
The Valencian delegation comprised Isabel Muñoz, Ferran Lloret, Amparo Orts, Ainhoa López, Hortensia Micó, Juana García, Lucía Agustina Fernández, and Joan Carles Silla, accompanied by technicians Esteve Ordiñana and Toni Gisbert. The visit served to analyze improvements in local public policies and strengthen ties between Valencian and Ecuadorian municipalities.
The Fons Valencià per la Solidaritat, which unites 168 Valencian local entities, thus reinforces the role of town councils as active agents in international cooperation. The Consistory of L'Alfàs del Pi has been part of this organization since 2019.
