Caracas, December 13, 2024 – This Friday, the Social Movements Council of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) convened in Caracas, Venezuela, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the regional bloc, founded by commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro on December 14, 2004.

The Executive Secretary of the Alliance, Jorge Arreaza, inaugurated the meeting with representatives from 25 nations (including 10 ALBA member countries). He highlighted that the Council would be led by an initial coordinating team comprising Cuba, the Simón Bolívar Institute, ALBA Movements, and the International Assembly of Peoples. “We do not need bureaucracies or secretariats, but we must coordinate as never before,” he clarified.

Arreaza emphasized that this gathering must generate proposals for the presidents and heads of state of the Alliance, who will meet on December 14 at the ALBA-TCP Summit in Caracas to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the bloc’s foundation.

The Council is also tasked with drafting proposals that can be submitted to the United Nations or other international summits. “We must be able to formally raise our voices in diplomatic exchanges between states, based on what you, as the social council, present. This is not a body meant to replace any movement,” he stated.

Carlos Ron, President of the Simón Bolívar Institute for Peace and Solidarity Among Peoples, described the meeting as an opportunity for debate and collaboration. He stressed the importance of reinvigorating the Social Movements Council, which originated during the ALBA-TCP Summit held in Lara State, Venezuela.

Sayonara Tamayo and Manuel Bertoldi, representatives of ALBA Movements, underscored the Council’s critical role in addressing global geopolitical challenges and fostering collaboration among ALBA and its peoples.

Sergio Arria, representing the Network of Intellectuals, Artists, and Social Movements in Defense of Humanity, called for the meeting to focus on unity and the development of mechanisms to shield the region from the impacts of capitalism and imperialism.

The goal of this event, held in anticipation of the Alliance’s 20th-anniversary celebration on Saturday, December 14, is to strengthen the ALBA-TCP Social Movements Council by jointly analyzing the current political and social landscape.

Additionally, the meeting will facilitate the adoption of a work methodology, the 2025 action plan, and the Social World Alternative proposed by the Social Movements Council.