To create similar institutions:

Bolivia leads ALBA Social Council

Bolivia: Secretary of Bolivia’s Single Rural Worker Union (CSUTCB) , Isaac Avalos, leads the Council of Social Movements of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our Americas (ALBA).

Avalos said that during six months this responsibility will allow him give continuity to agreements reached in the first summit held on in Cochabamba on October 15-17, attended by 700 delegates and guests from at least 40 countries.

The Council will also contribute to create similar institutions in regional countries not necessarily belonging to ALBA in order to strengthen unity in defense of the people and their demands.

Participants of the First Summit of ALBA Social Movement Councils presented their final declaration to presidents and delegations attending the 7th ALBA Summit.

The delegates adopted strategic guidelines, including the reinforcement of community economies taking into account cultural diversity and the principles governing indigenous people and farmers.

They also agreed to create and consolidate an International Environmental Court made up of the Climate Justice Court and the International Social Movement Council in order to defend the rights of Mother Earth and the environment.

The social meeting also discussed food sovereignty, autonomy and self-determination, as well as the consultation and systematic involvement in projects and mega-projects, the foundation of ALBA and of the Trade Agreement of the Peoples, the latter initiated by Bolivian President Evo Morales.

Created by Venezuela and Cuba in 2004, ALBA also groups Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Antigua and Barbuda. La Paz, Prensa Latina