The meeting took place in the context of the International Meeting of Eco-Educational Cities, organized by CAF-Development Bank of Latin America, formerly the Andean Development Corporation, and the global educational movement Scholas Ocurrentes.

At the end of the appointment, his Holiness expressed his deep appreciation and at the same time blessed the work of the social and youth movements, as quoted here by ClarOscuro Noticias.

In particular, the Supreme Pontiff praised the work of the municipal authorities, represented by more than 50 Ibero-American mayors, who fight against social and environmental challenges with an impact on the life of Mother Earth.

The Eco-Educational Cities meeting had as background the launch of the Laudato Sí School, in May 2022, where 50 young people from the region participated; and the creation by CAF of the Network of BiodiverCities of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Among the objectives of the latter, currently made up of 119 cities from 17 countries in the region, it stands out to insert the preservation of biodiversity in the management and planning of urban policies, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

During the sessions, mayors present explained how personal experiences and the human perspective of society are behind public management, and they committed to youth empowerment in their cities.

Menchú attended as a special guest, along with Rebecca Bill Chávez, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, and Gloria Flórez Schneider, who heads the Andean Parliament.

The Guatemalan indigenous leader shares in various settings the great cultural and natural wealth of this Central American nation, as well as her concerns for well-being and development.

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