A solidarity-based economy is distinguished by development processes which simultaneously engage local, national and international regions, as well as urban and rural areas. Its starting point is the development of local potential through quality educational steps which require the creation of networks of initiatives which respect the historical specificity of each nation and cultural pluralism. This requires a transformation of North-South co-operation, an advancement of South-South and South-North co-operation, and the establishment of conditions favourable to new, decentralized forms of co-operation.