Cuba

CISP has been operating in Cuba as a key player since 1982 in sustainable local development processes, social strengthening, civic participation, and community empowerment. Its work is grounded in a comprehensive approach that brings together institutional actors, civil society, youth, and international cooperation to promote more equitable, resilient, and cohesive territories. 

Throughout its presence in the country, the organization has built a solid territorial intervention strategy, establishing partnerships with provincial and municipal governments, national institutions, grassroots organizations, community networks, universities, and multilateral bodies. This ensures close ties with communities, relevance in action, and long-term sustainability. 

CISP relies on specialized technical teams, proprietary methodologies, and the support of national and international experts mobilized according to territorial needs. Its work is strategically aligned with the Regional Directorate for Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring institutional coherence, methodological reinforcement, and high-impact social outcomes. 

From a managerial standpoint, CISP implements a management system aligned with international standards of transparency, financial control, and risk management, guaranteeing reliability in execution. Operational and financial administration is supported by the ERP GONG system, ensuring traceability, expenditure integrity, accountability, and rigorous monitoring. 

Furthermore, the Innovation Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, located in Medellín (Colombia), supports these processes through the development of methodologies, technological tools, training platforms, applied social innovation, and monitoring models tailored to Cuba’s socio-territorial context. 

CISP’s Main Areas of Expertise in Cuba 

Social Development, Community Participation, and Organizational Strengthening 

CISP drives social development processes focused on strengthening community structures, civic participation, and organizational capacity building. The organization works with public, community, and social actors to promote initiatives that reinforce the social fabric, improve local management, and contribute to community well-being. 

Culture, Human Development, and Capacity Building 

CISP incorporates culture and creativity as strategic pillars for human and territorial development. Through training programs and technical support, it strengthens capacities for cultural management, social participation, and community engagement, with a focus on: 

• Youth 
• Women and territorial leadership 
• Community actors 
• Social groups 
• Local institutions and stakeholders 

Youth, Social Participation, Culture, and Community Leadership 

CISP promotes active youth participation in community and local development processes, particularly through cultural and creative initiatives. Support for young artists and cultural entrepreneurs is aimed at: 

• Harnessing cultural resources to generate employment and income. 
• Driving innovative, inclusive, and sustainable practices. 
• Strengthening leadership and organizational skills. 
• Contributing to the development of cultural industries linked to territorial strategies. 

Cultural and Creative Economy as a Engine for Local Development 

CISP supports processes that position culture and creativity as drivers of social and economic transformation. This includes the valorization of cultural heritage, the strengthening of creative spaces, and the consolidation of areas with cultural potential as development hubs. Priority is given to initiatives led by women and youth, promoting innovation, sustainability, and inclusive territorial development. 

Social Innovation, Inclusion, and Local Governance for Community Development 

CISP fosters social innovation as a tool to enhance inclusion and territorial governance. Actions are carried out in coordination with local authorities, community organizations, and social stakeholders, focusing on: 

• Social inclusion and community strengthening 
• Opportunity generation based on local capacities 
• Support and consolidation of organized social groups 
• Inter-institutional coordination and improved local management 
• Participatory community governance 
• Development cooperation and sustainable territorial strategies 

Target Population 

CISP’s interventions in Cuba are primarily directed toward: 

• Youth 
• Women 
• Organized community groups 
• Local stakeholders 
• Populations involved in social development processes 

www.cispalc.org