Process of elaboration of Municipal Sustainable Development Plans in 10 cities in Paraguay.: The case of Ciudad del Este.

Abstract

This paper presents the overall experience of developing Municipal Sustainable Development Plans (PDSM) in ten municipalities of Paraguay, focusing on the case of Ciudad del Este, an emerging metropolis in the tri-border area shared with Brazil and Argentina. The process began with identifying major challenges and opportunities through workshops and open consultations with the community. Active participation from various social actors was encouraged, including local authorities, community organizations, the private sector, and citizens in general. This participation enabled the collective construction of a shared future vision and the definition of priorities aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The participatory methodology utilized tools such as community diagnostics and intersectoral dialogue tables. This facilitated the inclusion of diverse perspectives and the generation of innovative and context-specific proposals. While the methodology proposed by the Guide for the Formulation of the Municipal Sustainable Development Plan (PDSM) of Paraguay generalizes certain processes, adjustments were made during implementation and localization, considering the different local technical teams' participatory dynamics, data collection, and work dynamics. The participatory diagnostic process in Ciudad del Este stood out for its adaptation to the city’s specific characteristics, integrating various methodological tools that captured a diverse understanding of the territory. Collaboration with local actors and academia and the inclusion of equality and diversity dimensions in the discussions highlighted the complexity and dynamism of Ciudad del Este as a cosmopolitan urban environment. The relevance of adopting inclusive and collaborative approaches in development planning is emphasized, offering a replicable model for other regions interested in promoting democratic and sustainable governance, engaging the citizenry, and fostering a sense of ownership and identity among the population.