Caring Cities meeting in San Juan gathers municipal leaders from 12 countries

By THE STAR STAFF

The Municipality of San Juan will host the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities’ (UCCI) Second Ibero-American Meeting of Caring Cities starting today, bringing together municipal leaders from 12 countries to exchange strategies on social inclusion, care policies and services for vulnerable populations.

Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo said the gathering underscores San Juan’s growing role as a regional reference point for people-centered public policy.

“Hosting this important meeting is both an honor and a responsibility. San Juan has shown that cities can lead transformative initiatives when they place people at the center of public policy,” Romero Lugo said. “These three days will allow us to share programs that have changed lives, learn from successful experiences in other cities, and strengthen a common agenda for more inclusive and humane communities.”

The program will focus on homelessness, aging populations, demographic shifts, and care models aimed at improving quality of life for vulnerable groups.

The opening ceremony will take place today, followed by a keynote address and dialogue sessions on homelessness and municipal responses. In the afternoon, in El Matadero in La Perla, participants will visit “Sin techo, con historia,” an immersive exhibition highlighting the personal stories and artistic work of individuals served by San Juan’s social programs.

On Thursday, the municipality will present its social intervention model, including services for older adults and initiatives that expand opportunities for people in vulnerable situations. Delegates will tour several programs -- San Juan en la Calle, the Centro de Acogida, La Nueva Casa de San Juan, Proyecto Casa, and Hangar Senior -- to observe their operations and impact.

“This meeting allows us to share more than programs,” said Francine Sánchez Marcano, director of the San Juan Department for Community Social Development. “We want visitors to meet the people, hear their stories, and see the results that emerge when services, support, and new opportunities are provided.” 

Delegates will also work on the San Juan Social Declaration, a document outlining commitments to strengthen social inclusion policies and cooperation among UCCI member cities. The event will conclude Friday with a tour of the Ruta de los 500 Años, showcasing San Juan’s historic and cultural heritage.

“Although our cities face different realities, we share the same commitment: building communities where no one is left behind,” Romero Lugo said. “San Juan will continue promoting alliances and exchanges that help us innovate and strengthen public policy, because when a city decides to care for its people, it transforms lives and builds a better future.”

Representatives from Asunción, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Montevideo, Santiago, Quito, San José, San Salvador, Santo Domingo, São Paulo and Tegucigalpa will attend.