At an international gathering in Paraguay, Aflatoun International joined discussions on education, opportunity and creating conditions for people to shape their own futures.
What does it take for individuals, families and communities to truly flourish?
This question brought together development practitioners, social entrepreneurs, educators and other changemakers at Cerrito Forum 2026, held on 13–14 October in Benjamín Aceval, Paraguay.
Organised by Fundación Paraguaya through the Stoplight Global Network, the ninth edition welcomed more than 180 participants from Paraguay and around the world. Under the theme “Flourishing”, the forum explored how leadership, education, innovation and collaboration can help people build better lives.
Aflatoun International was represented by Rocío Pilar Andía, Regional Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, who participated as a speaker, bringing Aflatoun’s commitment to social and financial education into the wider conversation on human development.
Creating conditions for growth
Throughout the forum, discussions explored women’s autonomy, well-being, leadership, education, financial inclusion and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
A central theme emerged: people need the knowledge, resources and freedom to make decisions about their own lives.
This idea is reflected in Fundación Paraguaya’s Poverty Stoplight approach, which helps families assess different aspects of their well-being, identify their priorities and develop their own plans for improvement.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of recognising people’s strengths and aspirations when designing development programmes.
For Aflatoun International, these reflections connect closely with our mission.
Education creates opportunities
At Aflatoun, we believe children and young people should have the skills and confidence to shape their futures.
Through social and financial education, young people learn to understand their rights, make informed financial decisions, plan for their goals and contribute positively to their communities.
A child learning to save towards a personal goal, a young person developing an enterprise idea, or a student gaining the confidence to express an opinion are all examples of how education can strengthen independence and decision-making.
These skills matter because flourishing begins with having opportunities and knowing how to use them.
As conversations at Cerrito Forum highlighted, innovation and new technologies also have an important role in development. Their value depends on how effectively they respond to people’s real needs and expand their opportunities.
Growing through collaboration
Another important message from Cerrito Forum was the value of working together.
Across countries and organisations, development challenges may differ, but there is much to gain from exchanging experiences, sharing practical solutions and learning from one another.
Through its global network of partners, Aflatoun International sees this collaboration in action. Local organisations adapt educational programmes to their communities, bringing their knowledge and experience to a shared commitment to empowering children and young people.
Events such as Cerrito Forum create valuable opportunities to strengthen these connections and explore new approaches to inclusive development.
Flourishing should never be a privilege reserved for a few. Everyone deserves opportunities to learn, grow and make meaningful choices about their future.
As we reflect on the conversations in Paraguay, one question remains especially relevant:
What are we doing, within our own communities and organisations, to help others flourish?
Aflatoun International thanks Fundación Paraguaya, Martín Burt and Poverty Stoplight for bringing together people and organisations committed to learning, collaboration and lasting social change.