Presented at: GSEF2016 Montreal

Organisation: Association des Municipalités du Mali (Social and Solidarity Economy Organization)

Date: September 7, 2016

Presenter: Mr. Sory Ibrahim Diarra (Director of the Cellule DEL)

Contacts: egingras@fcm.ca

Summary:

An example proving the importance of governance within local governments is that of public services provided to citizens in function of changes made to address emerging needs. Solidarity and innovative development efforts supported by governments in tune with the needs of the stakeholders of civil society and private sector have allowed for the strengthening of the social economy, even in an environment gravely affected by conflict. The example of the economic corridor in the North of Mali – created through the contribution of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Association des Municipalités du Mali et du Burkina Faso (Association of Municipalities of Mali and Burkina Faso) – is an economic and social integration initiative that has enabled participatory decision making to face the difficult challenges in a region shaken by a fragmented economy and a social conflict. Thus, the economic corridor has promoted, among others, territorial cohesion, political dialogue, popular participation and the creation of better partnerships with civil society and the private sector.