A community’s self-reliance is achieved by addressing problems holistically and maximizing the value from local resources – human, natural, and financial. Local self-reliance does not necessarily mean self-sufficiency—even nations are not selfsufficient— but a self-reliant community is self-governing and capable of identifying and developing the resources necessary for its prosperity. This session will include successful models and case studies on national transformation that can be a resource for other communities around the world. Panelists will emphasize a community’s own capacity to identify and address development and national transformation priorities through community-based development, which operates on the principles of local empowerment, participatory governance, greater downward accountability, and enhanced local capacity.
Moderator: Dr. Michael Lenaghan Chair of Teaching Excellence; Professor, Miami Dade College, United States
- H.E. Rafael Hipólito Mejía Former President of Dominican Republic
- Mr. Victor Almonte Specialist in Community Development and International Cooperation, World Vision, World Bank, International Plan, IDB Youth
- Mr. Joan Mateo Director, Service For Peace, Dominican Republic
- Dr. Waldo Brea President, Partners of the Americas, Dominican Republic
- Mr. Alejandro Bravo Executive Director, Nicaraguan Association of Municipalities
- Hon. Ruperto Long Minister, Court of Auditors; Former Senator of Uruguay