The 34th CIRIEC International Congress, held in San José, Costa Rica, from October 16 to 18, 2024, had as its theme “Strategies to Promote Territorial and Human Development”. Organized by CIRIEC International, the State Distance Learning University (UNED) of Costa Rica and CIRIEC-Costa Rica. The event brought together figures such as Stephan Brunner, Vice President and Acting President of Costa Rica, and Bernard Thiry, President of CIRIEC International. Representing Portugal, Professor Ricardo Borges dos Santos and Doctor Luís Reto were present.
The congress addressed several topics, including territorial development in urban and rural areas; human development in relation to health, education and rights; the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the environmental emergency, with concrete initiatives and impact measurement; public policies for territorial development; public policies, poverty and the social and solidarity economy; public initiative and action for sustainable development; the role of public authorities in the solidarity economy; scientific and technological innovation; and, finally, infrastructure and public service networks. The event highlighted sustainable strategies, solidarity economy initiatives and innovation projects to promote social and environmental development.