On the 4th and 5th of December, ProFuturo participated in the III Regional Policy Dialogue for the Economic Development of Indigenous Peoples organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Panama. The purpose of this event was to consider and establish alliances to promote indigenous economic development based on the key strengths of these peoples.
Among the matters that were discussed during this two-day period were innovative public policies, indigenous self-reliance in decision-making, a variety of strategies intended to support the inclusion of the indigenous population in local, regional and global economies and other matters relevant to contributing to the welfare of the peoples in the region.
ProFuturo participated in the Digital Peoples Exhibition, which unveiled technological innovations and tools to provide greater opportunities of economic development for indigenous peoples and where the foundation took the opportunity to present its digital education solution for primary education to foster the development of XXI century skills with the goal of reducing educational and digital gaps.
ProFuturo has already implemented its solution in several areas of the Brazilian, Peruvian, Colombian and Ecuadorian Amazon regions, which have benefited more than 8,399 children in 205 schools and provided training for more than 1,548 teachers (up until December 2017).
The Minister of Government, Carlos Eduardo Rubio, participated in the event and stated that “Panama belongs to everyone and everyone deserves social justice, including the participation of the indigenous peoples”. As reported by the Panama One website, the minister mentioned that “the Government of the Republic of Panama has made a significant investment in public works” and expressed his satisfaction with the Comprehensive Plan for the Development of Indigenous Peoples.
