From June 17-20, we had the privilege of hosting a week-long knowledge exchange in Guatemala City, marking the conclusion of phase 1 of our pilot project in collaboration with the Coordinadora de Mujeres Líderes Territoriales de Mesoamérica (CMLT).

The knowledge exchange brought together four community organizations from Guatemala and Mexico to share their experiences and learnings from phase 1, held over the past six months, and collaborate on visions for future action. Two additional organizations from Costa Rica and Honduras also participated, creating space to learn more about the program and engage in shared reflection.

“It was a very special space for reflection, sharing, and learning from each other, which left the participants motivated to continue working with a strategic and long-term vision,” - Marlen Garcia, TWP.

Participating organizations shared results of organizational diagnostics, which aid in identifying and addressing regional challenges, and reflected on participatory workshops held throughout phase 1 of the pilot. As part of our broader efforts to support capacity-building amongst our partners, workshops focused on implementing sustainable local agriculture systems, protecting cultural heritage, advancing territorial rights and sovereignty, and fostering gender equity within grassroots organizations. Integrating more women into leadership roles within these organizations was a particular focus and remains central as we move forward with future phases of the collaboration.

“Thanks to the organization of this event by TWP and CMLT, we were able to promote an exchange of experiences and knowledge between peoples and establish activities for achieving the lines of action of the participating organizations," - Maria Areli Castellanos, LIMAXTUM.

In addition to sharing experiences and learnings, participating organizations presented proposals for their strategic plans. This exchange of future commitments supported the mutual identification of opportunities and strategies; above all, though, it expressed a renewed optimism and collective vision for the future – moving forward, together.

"It was an exchange where challenges, strengths, and collective optimism were shared. Seeing grassroots organizations develop a strategic plan and vision was motivating. As a program, we hope to continue supporting these processes that bring Indigenous and marginalized peoples to the forefront," - Daniela Bueso, TWP.