Translated by Andrés Martínez Forero
Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán took part in the CAF Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum in Panama City, where leaders and experts from over 15 countries discussed strategies to drive sustainable and inclusive development, with a strong focus on innovation and climate action.
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During the event, Mayor Galán participated in a high-level meeting of local and regional government authorities, spoke on a panel about circular economies at the subnational level, and visited the construction site of Panama City's metro system.
Strengthening Local Governments: Meeting of Regional Leaders
In a gathering of nearly 20 subnational governments, participants explored common challenges, ways to boost cooperation, and new financing opportunities to close social and economic gaps in urban and regional development.
Mayor Galán highlighted the significant hurdles local governments face when trying to access international funding—particularly the high costs and bureaucratic complexity involved, which often slow down critical projects that lack national government support.
He also called on the Latin American and Caribbean Development Bank (CAF) to back key initiatives in Bogotá, such as strengthening institutional capacity and investing in talent development, ensuring that technical teams have the expertise needed to plan and execute strategic city projects. Additionally, he advocated for the issuance of Green Bonds and the revival of financial and technical support for high-impact cultural initiatives.
Circular Economy Panel: A Smarter Approach to Waste Management
Mayor Galán joined Quito’s Mayor Pabel Muñoz, Tetra Pak’s Andean Region Government Relations Head Santiago Pardo, São Paulo’s Solid Waste Regulation Manager Danielle Ramos, and Interaseo’s Business Development Director Ana Carolina Ruíz to discuss sustainable waste management strategies.
The panel focused on implementing circular economy principles in urban waste management, as well as opportunities to invest in infrastructure and innovative technologies.
"Bogotá generates 6,500 tons of waste every day, but we estimate only about 1,200 tons are recycled—and even that figure is uncertain. Our challenge is to integrate informal waste pickers into the system in a way that provides them with fair working conditions and the right tools to do their jobs,” said Mayor Galán.
He also emphasized the importance of a recent agreement with 300 waste-picking organizations to advance their formalization, as well as the need to collaborate with the private sector to bring cutting-edge technologies into Bogotá’s waste management system.
"We need to work closely with private companies. With the right regulations, they can implement innovative solutions that not only benefit the city but also make financial sense," he added.
Learning from Panama’s Metro Expansion
As part of his visit, Mayor Galán toured the construction site of Panama City’s third metro line—mostly elevated—to exchange experiences and insights that could help shape Bogotá’s own metro expansion.
"Bogotá must continue developing a real metro network, with multiple lines—some elevated, others underground, like the planned Line 2. Learning from other cities’ experiences is key to making that happen," he shared on his X account.
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Bogotá’s presence at the CAF International Economic Forum reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and international cooperation. The discussions held at the forum will help strengthen strategic alliances and unlock new funding opportunities for key city projects. As Bogotá continues working towards inclusive and sustainable urban development, it remains focused on forward-thinking management models that ensure a better future for its residents.
Learn more details about Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán's visit to the works on Line 3 of the Panama City Metro, in the following publication on the X social network:
Ciudad de Panamá está construyendo su tercera línea de metro, que será mayoritariamente elevada.
— Carlos F. Galán (@CarlosFGalan) January 30, 2025
Hoy, con el objetivo de conocer de cerca su desarrollo y compartir experiencias sobre proyectos similares, recorrimos las obras de esta línea del @elmetrodepanama que, igual que la… pic.twitter.com/1y6G0rRIET
