(opening sentence in Kichwa language)
Ally punlla mashikuna Ally napayta chaskipaichy
(“Good morning everyone, receive a cordial greeting from me!”)
Speech is delivered in Spanish. This is the translation.
Good morning friends, receive a warm greeting.
It is very important for me to be in front of you at this significant event that brings together people of different nationalities with brilliant minds. At this moment, I have many mixed feelings as a mother, a Kichwa woman, and a professional. As a mother because I have not seen my family for several days; as a Kichwa woman because I feel proud of my roots, of the legacy my grandparents and parents passed on to me, with which I now present myself proudly to the world; and as a professional because I recognize the importance of sharing my knowledge and skills with many people.
In Ecuador, until 1990, indigenous peoples were treated without rights, dehumanized, and subjected to physical and psychological abuse. In some cities, indigenous peoples could not even enter unless it was to work. However, our struggle did not begin there, but many years before, with a few people who dared to dream beyond forced labor, believing that we had the right to prepare ourselves professionally, to hold positions in schools, colleges, universities, and even in government. From that dream and that resistance, we emerged, from being punished to exhaustion, until we find ourselves today in places that once seemed unattainable.
It was thanks to the tireless struggle of thousands that we have come this far. We have demonstrated, again and again, that skin color, ethnicity, preferences, or nationality do not define a person’s worth. We must ensure that all voices are heard and that no one is left behind. Inclusion is key to achieving truly sustainable development, one in which every person can contribute and be valued equally.
It is precisely this commitment that brings me here today to the Twelfth World Urban Forum, a forum that gives us the opportunity to focus on the future of our cities. In a world where more than half of the population lives in urban settings, it is essential that we work on building sustainable, affordable, and inclusive communities.
Sustainability is not just a goal; it is a necessity. In many parts of the world, we face significant challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The most vulnerable communities often bear the weight of these challenges, despite being vital guardians of our culture and environment. It is crucial to recognize their role in conserving our resources and promoting practices that benefit both people and the planet.
Participating in the World Urban Forum was a transformative experience that helped me better understand the challenges and opportunities of building inclusive and sustainable cities. As an indigenous woman, this forum also allowed me to reflect on the crucial role we have had and continue to have in this struggle. There was a time when indigenous women had no access to education; our academic preparation was a difficult dream to achieve, and we were viewed only as domestic workers, with no possibilities for personal or professional growth.
We are like the marsh straw that is pulled out and grows back, and from the marsh straw, we sow the world
With these words from Dolores Cacuango, I want to conclude by emphasizing that building a sustainable, affordable, and inclusive future is the responsibility of all of us.
It is essential for urbanism to learn from communities, especially from indigenous voices, to achieve fairer and more representative decisions regarding people and the environment. By joining our efforts and working collaboratively, we can create an environment where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
I invite you to follow this path together, building a future where every voice counts and every dream is achievable. Thank you!
