The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity presided today the last meeting with social and economic agents and the local civil society on the process of preparing the Regional Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion.
 
Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting held on Corvo Island, Andreia Cardoso recalled that similar meetings took place in all municipalities of the Azores. According to her, "the assessment of the first phase of this hearing was very positive."
 
"The accession of participants was significant, particularly from various sectors of the civil society, including local authorities, "casas do povo," Private Social Solidarity Institutions, cultural and sports associations, fire departments, public security forces, business associations and, naturally, various departments of the Regional Government," said the Regional Secretary.
 
The government official highlighted the contribution of civil society that attended these meetings with the aim of conveying its perspective on the issues under discussion.
 
"In a preliminary analysis, the interest and commitment of participants in identifying the constraints and building integrated solutions was quite evident," said Andreia Cardoso. She also stated that participating entities valued the methodology adopted for territorial consultation and participation in the definition of a strategy.
 
The Secretary for Social Solidarity added that, following the first phase of consultations, the definition of the Strategy enters a new stage. It will "include the analysis of all contributions and will involve all departments of the Regional Government overseeing these matters." This is the starting point for the preparation of the Integrated Plan underpinning the entire Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion.