Progress report of the International Alliance of Inhabitants (IAI), 2004-2005 - 中欧社会论坛 - China Europa Forum

Progress report of the International Alliance of Inhabitants (IAI), 2004-2005

Building autonomy for inhabitant’s associations

Authors: Sidiki Daff

Date: 30 septembre 2005

Published by International Alliance of Inhabitants

Established in 2003, IAI sees itself as a body of inhabitants that is working for the emergence of militants in associations of a new kind that will be autonomous from NGOs and policy-makers.

Through major campaigns (Zero Eviction, etc.), alternative policies (Popular Fund for Land and Development), the policy of solidarity and participation in different fora (Local, continental, world social fora, urban fora, etc.), it is gradually gaining a foothold in Africa, Asia and Europe. Without a membership drive, it already has 200 urban associations and social movements spread over 40 countries in 4 continents.

This consolidation process is fostered by the creation of the Urban Popular University (UPU), which is forum for the joint development of knowledge based on demand, potential and strategies of inhabitants’ associations following various methods, including DPH, and collective intelligence tools and methods.

The autonomy of inhabitant’s associations does not mean autarchy to us. That is why IAI forges links with other bodies like local authorities, NGOs, academics and some United Nations bodies to develop joint actions that take account of everyone’s autonomy.

This approach has enabled IAI to diversify its sources of funding, especially through the contributions of certain local governments, including the government of the Basque Region, which is to fund part of the UPU.

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