The CIFAL Global Network recognizes that there is a crucial need for capacity development in order to address the challenges communities worldwide are currently facing.
The training sessions and activities of the CIFAL centers focus on four major thematic areas:
- Urban Governance & Planning
- Economic Development
- Social Inclusion
- Environmental Sustainability
All underpinned by the Capacity for 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Each CIFAL specializes in thematic areas that are defined by the needs and priorities of the regions they serve. Their training programs provide access to knowledge, resources and best practices while promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration in support of sustainable development.
Capacity for the 2030 Agenda
This agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. The goals and targets will stimulate action until 2030. The CIFAL Global Network is dedicated to helping governments and other stakeholders build capacity to mainstream, implement, and review Agenda 2030.
Urban Governance and Planning
Urban governance refers to how government (local, regional and national) and stakeholders decide how to plan, finance and manage urban areas. It involves a continuous process of negotiation and contestation over the allocation of social and material resources and political power. CIFAL Honolulu focuses on the disaster resilience and risk reduction involved in Urban Governance & Planning to build resilient cities and communities.
Economic Development
Creating economic opportunities, generating good and decent jobs and ensuring equitable growth are essential to eradicate poverty and remain a top priority in the path to sustainable development. A second priority is to constantly raise productivity so that growth generates more growth. This certainly requires skills development, policies that support micro, small and medium-size enterprises, enhanced capacities to innovate, and a stable environment that enables businesses to prosper. CIFAL Centers facilitate the exchange of innovative solutions that promote economically productive cities that are socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
Social Inclusion
Social inclusion, understood as both a process and an outcome, is about improving the terms in which individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, disability status, age, sexual orientation, and religion, take part in society and share prosperity.
Socially inclusive policies and programs aim to empower vulnerable and marginalized groups to take advantage of opportunities and enjoy equal access to education, health services, technologies, and employment, as well as to have a voice in decision-making processes that will impact their lives.
Inclusion and equality are at the core of sustainable development. Understanding this challenge, the CIFAL Global Network provides training and opportunities for the transfer of expertise to strengthen the capacities of government authorities and policymakers to develop and implement strategies towards social inclusion.