english inglés anglais - Global Microcredit Summit 2011

It is a great honor for the city of Valladolid and its council to welcome the Global Microcredit
Summit for many reasons: because of our steadfast commitment to carrying out the Millennium
Development Goals set by the international community through the UN; because we launched
the first Municipal Plan for International Development in 2011, which led to a significant
expansion of joint collaboration with countries of the global South; and because we have spent
years working to promote microcredit as a tool to fight poverty and exclusion.
All of this will allow the people of Valladolid—and me the first among them—to fully
experience the Global Microcredit Summit. We are fully aware of our “dual” role in the Summit’s
development as privileged witnesses while it takes place and, at the same time, as agents
committed to achieving its goals.
Our city does not need to prove its global and charitable calling (its deeds are well known, such
as our International Network of Ambassadors, which has made Valladolid known to the world).
However, it is obvious that this Summit will place Valladolid at the forefront, shining a spotlight
on the city for all observers and professionals. It will reinforce our image and reputation as a
destination for conferences and conventions, which will increase, if anything, the responsibility
we take on as hosts for this event.
Once again, Valladolid is called upon by history to write one of its important chapters. And, once
again, Valladolid will know how to rise to the occasion, dedicating itself to the cause with dignity,
generosity, and excellence.
In this case, we as citizens will be, as is often said, “ambassadors on our own soil.” We welcome
the more than 2,000 delegates—hailing from a hundred countries—who are participating in this
great gathering with open arms and hearts. We are eager to show everyone our value and worth
by enabling the Summit to go off flawlessly.
The Global Microcredit Summit will not only bring “good people” to Valladolid, it will also give
us the opportunity to strengthen our abilities before the world as a model city that promotes
projects of solidarity and voluntary citizens’ initiatives. This will transcend the Summit’s own
path without a doubt because Valladolid is itself a microcosm of solidarity, commitment, and
struggle against poverty. It is a place for reflection and debate on these troubles. The contribution
to a more just and egalitarian world is among the city’s priorities. This is the only possible future.
Francisco Javier León de la Riva
Mayor of Valladolid
Global Microcredit Summit 2011
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