Responsible Exits and Closures: Global Lessons for Local Action
On August 5, we gathered in Bogotá, Colombia, to discuss “Responsible Exits and Closures: Global Lessons for Local Action.” This event was co-organized with our colleagues from Insuco, the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), and the Ford Foundation. We brought together experts and representatives from civil society organizations to address key issues on the global transitions agenda.
We held a panel discussion featuring Haley St. Dennis from the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB); Deanna Kemp and Sarah Mackenzie from the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) at the University of Queensland; Camilo León and Anthony Bebbington from the Ford Foundation; and Nicola Woodroffe from NRGI.
In addition, we organized a series of working groups where participants shared knowledge, experiences, organizational perspectives, and ideas for joint action. The following are some key takeaways from these conversations:
Responsible closure requires early planning, strong institutional frameworks, and a shared commitment to go beyond purely transactional approaches.
Promote productive transitions that sustain local economic dynamism.
Integrate diverse cultural knowledge and perspectives, including Indigenous peoples’ relationship with nature.
Strengthen the social fabric and local capacities so that the day after closure becomes an opportunity, not a vacuum.
This event was part of a robust agenda of activities held from August 5 to 12 with various stakeholders — authorities, companies, communities, and civil society — both in Bogotá and in the departments of Cesar and La Guajira.
We thank the partner organizations and institutions who helped us develop this valuable program, and all those who participated in the space.
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