International Programs
This program aims to foster relations of solidarity at the international level among intellectuals, activists and community-based organisations to work on the social, economic, political and environmental/ecological challenges faced by societies worldwide.
Objectives:
- To carry out critical analyses of the development concept as a universal model for good life and on the culture of development and its impact on human societies and on Nature.
- To carry out research on the knowledge systems of various cultures and communities throughout the world.
- To seek out alternatives to the global developmentalist paradigm through active intercultural dialogue.
Activities:
Module of Cultures and Development:
- Seminars/Debates
- Conferences
- Colloquia
- International Network for Cultural Alternatives to Development (INCAD): This program was oriented towards: a) carrying out cultural and critical analyses of the dominant model of development across countries and cultures, and its impact on human societies and nature; b) conducting participatory research on the cultural knowledge and practices of micro-communities and seeking alternatives through intercultural dialogue. In 1992, IIM held an international conference entitled “Living with the Earth, Cross-cultural perspectives on Sustainable Development.”
- International Grassroots Alliance (IGRA) for the protection and promotion of local knowledge: provided a forum for discussion and analysis of common problems and to foster collaboration between groups for the acceptance of endogenous and traditional knowledges and practices.
- Roots Database: The objectives of this database were two-fold and set out to address the growing interest in the cultural dimension of development since 1980s: a) to research published documents (books, monographs, journals/periodicals, articles) and organize available information on the subject. B) To raise awareness of the critical discourses on international development as well as promoting the validity and legitimacy of endogenous/traditional/local knowledge. This database was discontinued in 2003 due to lack of funding.