Suriname will host the annual plenary meeting of the Amazon Cities Forum on 28 and 29 October. During the two-day meeting, local authorities from the eight Amazon countries will discuss cooperation and challenges in the Amazon region.
In the run-up to the meeting, consultations took place on Monday, 31 August, between Minister Miquella Huur of Regional Development, representatives of various government agencies and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The consultations addressed the substantive, logistical and organisational preparations. A digital delegation from the IDB also gave a presentation on the development of the Amazon Cities Forum and plans for the coming period.
The forum is part of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO). The partnership focuses, among other things, on knowledge exchange, capacity building and developing joint solutions to problems in the Amazon region.
Paramaribo and Nickerie are currently involved in the forum. During the consultations, Minister Huur asked about the possibilities of allowing other Surinamese districts in the Amazon region to participate as well. According to her, these districts must be able to make optimal use of the regional programme.
Director Maverick Boejoekoe indicated that Sipaliwini could also benefit from participation. The district could exchange experiences with other areas and bring its own challenges to international attention.
The programme of the plenary meeting consists of technical and strategic discussions, training sessions and capacity-building activities.
To coordinate the preparations, Huur will establish a working group. A WhatsApp group will also be set up to facilitate further coordination between the parties involved. The next preparatory consultation is scheduled for 11 September.
