Translated by Andrés Martínez Forero
Bogotá and Sweden have strengthened their commitment to sustainability and social development by signing a Letter of Intent to drive key initiatives in the Colombian capital including the creation of an innovative biogas pilot plant. Representing the Bogotá, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán joined forces with the Swedish Embassy in Colombia, led by Ambassador Helena Storm, to formalize this collaborative agreement, which further deepens the partnership between the two parties.
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This agreement establishes a framework to tackle shared challenges and advance initiatives in critical areas such as human security, education, culture, smart cities, sustainability, gender equality, peace and reconciliation, and sustainable urban development. These efforts align with Bogotá’s administrative priorities and reflect the values that have made Sweden a global leader in innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.
During the signing ceremony, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maria Malmer Stenergard, announced a donation of USD 1.5 million for prefeasibility and detailed engineering studies. These studies aim to develop a biogas value chain for Bogotá’s transportation sector. The first phase was delivered in 2024, and the second phase is set to launch in the first half of 2025.
The project’s goal is to transform organic waste into biogas, aligning with Bogotá’s circular waste management model. This sustainable approach offers a long-term solution to the city’s environmental challenges.
Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán highlighted the importance of this international partnership for Bogotá’s social, economic, and environmental progress. "This collaboration with Sweden enhances our ability to address Bogotá’s challenges while allowing us to learn from a nation that excels in sustainability and innovation. We deeply value Sweden’s commitment to our city—a partnership that has already led to significant advances in cultural exchange, sustainability, and gender equality. The biogas plant is a shining example of how we can work together to develop solutions that positively impact our future,” said the mayor.
Ambassador Helena Storm expressed her enthusiasm for sharing Sweden’s expertise and learning from local initiatives. “Bogotá has been a vital ally in Sweden’s journey in Colombia. We have historically worked together on shared values and priorities. That’s why it’s an honor to announce the donation for the second phase of the detailed engineering study for Bogotá’s biogas plant, which will transform organic waste into fuel. We share the vision that waste is a resource, and we are proud to be an ally of this city,” she stated.
The Letter of Intent highlights the shared goal of strengthening local and international capacities through the exchange of knowledge and expertise. It sets out clear mechanisms for planning and collaboration on joint projects.
The initiative aims to build a relationship based on trust and collaborative action, enabling both parties to achieve common objectives. These efforts align with Bogotá’s 2024-2028 City Development Plan, 'Bogotá Camina Segura' which promotes security, inclusion, equal opportunities, and sustainable development.
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Following the signing of the Letter of Intent and the funding announcement for the biogas plant designs, Bogotá and Sweden will begin identifying priority projects and assembling teams to ensure the success of this partnership. These agreements reaffirm Bogotá’s international outlook and open the door to new opportunities for joint learning and innovation, benefitting all residents of the city.
Review details of the agreement between Bogotá and Sweden in the following publication on social network X of the Department of International Relations of Bogotá:
🇨🇴I🇸🇪 ¡Hoy Bogotá y Suecia sellaron una alianza estratégica!
— Relaciones Internacionales Bogotá (@BogotaInter_nal) January 29, 2025
El alcalde de Bogotá, @CarlosFGalan y la embajadora de @SwedeninCOL, @HelenaSuecia firmaron Carta de Intención que fortalece cooperación en seguridad, sostenibilidad, cultura, igualdad de género y paz.
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