The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, held a work meeting with Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto and his team. The meeting took place at the Aquiles Nazoa Cultural Center, following the World Symposium on Neighborhoods held at the Teresa Carreño Theater.
The Head of State was accompanied by the Minister for Public Works, Juan José Ramírez, and the Mayor of Caracas, Carmen Teresa Meléndez. The government delegation exchanged knowledge with the international expert on community urban development.
President Maduro emphasized that the shared knowledge strengthens the creative process of the Venezuelan people. «The idea of a new direct democracy is emerging on all continents. The model of later years has run its course; these are democracies of minorities, without the people,” stated the President.
Architect Paola Posani, a member of the symposium’s organizing committee, reported on the work groups that met. The topics addressed included community and property ownership, infrastructure, economic sustainability, tourism productivity, and educational well-being.
The international delegation included Akiko Okabe, Professor of Architecture at the University of Tokyo, and Koh Kitayama, co-founder of Workshop. The delegation also included Yoko Fujiikake, Dean of the Faculty of Urban Sciences at Yokohama National University, and Mikio Tai, founder of Architect Café.
This exchange of knowledge reflects the international cooperation policy promoted by the Bolivarian Government. Collaboration with global experts in social urbanism strengthens community housing development programs.
Finally, the meeting demonstrates Venezuela’s openness to international experiences that contribute to improving the quality of urban life. The Bolivarian Revolution maintains its commitment to building fairer and more humane cities.