Territorial attractiveness and sustainability strengthen the positioning of territories
The event, organized by ICLEI MECS and supported by GCoM Latam, highlighted how the environment, local identity, strategic planning, and collaboration can drive the development and positioning of cities
On October 1, GCoM Latam supported the Territorial Attractiveness webinar promoted by ICLEI Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, featuring Dr. Ray Freddy Lara Pacheco. The session explored how local governments can strengthen the positioning of their territories through strategies connected to local identity, sustainability, competitiveness, and development.
Lara presented the concept of territoriality as a tool to identify competitiveness factors and design strategies capable of positioning territories at the local, national, and international levels. He emphasized that territorial attractiveness is not limited to attracting investment, visitors, or external recognition: the challenge is to build more attractive, sustainable, and resilient territories that can generate well-being for the people who live in them.
One of the main points discussed was the relationship between the environment and territorial positioning. Environmental issues have become part of the global agenda, and climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing cities. Local governments therefore play a strategic role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, sustainability and climate action are no longer isolated issues and instead become part of territorial development, competitiveness, and positioning strategies.
Public policies can make these strategies viable when they are based on robust territorial assessments, measurable results, and collaboration among governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society. For GCoM Latam, training and exchange spaces such as this one strengthen the capacities of local governments and connect territorial planning with more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive solutions.
Next webinar
ICLEI Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean will hold the training session “AI and Climate Change: A Local Perspective” on October 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Mexico City time (CST) — 12:00 p.m. in Colombia and 2:00 p.m. in Brazil (Brasília).
The session will explore how artificial intelligence can help local governments better understand their territories, identify vulnerable areas, anticipate climate risks, improve urban planning, and guide evidence-based climate action. Registration link: https://us.list-manage.com/11T5y7xkonF?e=9c22ec99db&c2id=6fc4357cdfb705e43743b1364ae7bd92
