On Thursday, October 22, 2026, we participated in the 5th Social Innovation Forum, held at Coomeva’s national headquarters in Cali. The event was organized by Pacto Global Red Colombia, the Colombian network of the United Nations initiative promoting corporate sustainability, and Coomeva, a Colombian cooperative business group. Under the theme “Innovate to Transform,” the forum brought together business and academic representatives to share experiences on developing new solutions to social challenges through business and in collaboration with communities.
Coomeva, Colombina, Aris Mining, Riopaila Castilla, and Parque Arauco were among the participating organizations. Universidad Icesi and Universidad del Rosario also moderated panel discussions. Conversations addressed a shared challenge: how to turn good intentions into initiatives that deliver results and endure over time.
Social Innovation in Business
One of the forum’s central themes was how social innovation can transform business operations and companies relationships with the regions where they operate. Incorporating solutions to social and environmental challenges into business activities creates opportunities to strengthen relationships and generate value for both communities and organizations.
This approach connects economic development with social well-being and environmental protection. To put it into practice and sustain results, initiatives must address real needs and have the necessary resources and capabilities.
Results-Oriented Solutions Developed with Communities
The forum highlighted the importance of understanding community priorities and developing solutions together with communities. Sharing knowledge, developing skills, and strengthening local decision-making help people lead their own development.
For businesses and organizations, this also requires setting clear objectives, defining a roadmap, evaluating results, and adapting actions as conditions change. Collaboration among businesses, communities, academia, and government brings together resources and expertise, with responsibilities and benefits for each stakeholder.
Partnerships for the Sustainability of REDD+ Matavén
REDD+ Matavén’s participation in this forum allows us to connect with potential partners and explore joint initiatives that help sustain conservation and community development programs, in line with the priorities of the territory’s Indigenous communities.