The Governments of El Salvador and Canada held the second session of their Bilateral Political Consultations today, an initiative aimed at strengthening their friendship, economic relations, and joint efforts in development cooperation.
As part of the agenda, Canadian representatives visited the Urban Wellbeing and Opportunities Center (CUBO) in the IVU neighborhood of San Salvador. This visit showcased El Salvador’s efforts to rebuild the social fabric, transform public spaces, and prevent violence.
“We are here with Sylvie Bédard, Director General for Central America and the Caribbean at Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to share this strategy in light of Canada’s interest in supporting our work on social reconstruction,” said Adriana Mira, El Salvador’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The CUBO initiative establishes community spaces designed to foster personal growth and unity through recreational activities, literature, arts, culture, and access to information and communication technologies. To date, 12 such centers have been inaugurated across the country, tailored to the needs and potential of their respective communities.
The CUBO in IVU offers facilities for artistic expression, sports, education, and recreation. Additionally, it features a community garden project where local residents grow vegetables for personal consumption and sale, further promoting sustainability and community engagement.
The visit underscores Canada’s interest in deepening collaboration and amplifying the impact of this initiative. “It’s important for them to witness the CUBOs’ impact and how this project contributes to building a better El Salvador,” Vice Minister Mira added.
The event also included the participation of Canada’s Ambassador to El Salvador, Mylène Paradis, reinforcing the growing ties between the two nations.