V Regional Forum
Collective Action for a Just and Inclusive Future
Nearly 50 participants from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua came together for four days in a vibrant space for learning, collaboration, and strategic dialogue. It was Kenoli’s V Regional Forum in San Salvador held May 12- 15, 2025.
Participants explored some of the region’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, rural migration, gender equity, agroecology, and early childhood development. Discussions emphasized the vital role of civil society organizations in responding to these challenges with solutions that are community-led, culturally rooted, and rights-based.
Forum sessions highlighted practical experiences and best practices, including the Healthy Home approach, family farming initiatives, and solar-powered irrigation systems. Participants also engaged in an in-depth analysis of rural migration, framed as a human right to mobility rather than a failure of families or communities. A dedicated focus on early childhood development underscored the importance of supporting children from birth to age five as a foundation for long-term well-being.
Innovation was another key theme. Participants explored how emerging tools, including artificial intelligence, can strengthen project design and proposals, while remaining aligned with community priorities and ethical principles.
The final day placed women’s leadership and gender equity at the center of the conversation. Organizations such as AFEDES (Guatemala) and ANDAR (Honduras) shared their experiences, sparking rich dialogue on how gender-transformative approaches can drive lasting change. Together, participants worked to develop indicators to better measure the impact of gender equity within their projects, reaffirming a collective commitment to more inclusive and equitable societies.
Beyond formal sessions, the forum created meaningful opportunities for cultural and community exchange. Partner organizations showcased local products, crafts, and educational materials, highlighting the creativity and strength of grassroots initiatives. The forum concluded with a cultural tour of San Salvador, including visits to the Saint Oscar Romero Museum, the martyrial chapel of Monsignor Romero, the Puertas del Diablo viewpoint, and the historic city center—honoring the history, resilience, and spirit of the Salvadoran people.
The V Regional Forum reaffirmed Kenoli’s commitment to amplifying community voices, promoting family-led solutions, and strengthening regional solidarity. Participants returned to their countries energized and equipped to confront poverty, respond to climate change, and advance toward more just, equitable, and healthy societies.