EDITION 28 - SEPTEMBER 2013

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Bogotá is experiencing a new era.The city is seeking to host the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders and 5th UCLG

Congress in 2016.

ContentEditorial 6 Why Choose Bogotá? 7

Colombia: The rebirth of a country 14

Time Line 16

The Next City 18

Conectivity 20

A Humain Bogotá 22

Bogotá: a cultural hub 25

International Experienced Venues 26

Points of Interest 28

Tourism Offer 30

Green Section 32

Summit Support 34

Editorial Gustavo Petro Urrego

Mayor of Bogotá

Edgar Castaño Sánchez Advisor ONU Habitat

Mónica De Grei! Lindo

President Bogotá Chamber of Commerce

Leslie Esparza General Coordinator (South

American Cities Network – Redcisur)

Eleonora BetancurDirector International Relations of the

Mayor’s O!ce

Alexandra Torres Executive Director Bogotá Convention

Bureau

PartnershipProexport Colombia

Government of BogotáBogotá Chamber of Commerce

Invest in BogotáTransmilenio S.A

Bogotá Convention Bureau

O"cial HostMayor’s of Bogotá O!ce

Design and LayoutLizardo Carvajal

ProductionBogotá Convention Bureau

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Over the last decades, cities have acquired a protagonist role in national and international scenarios. This is due to the fact that the majority of the population is found within these spaces, where ideas, cultures and trends promote changes that have repercussions on all aspects of human life. They are called to confront tremendous local challenges and head up changes that provide answers to subjects of priority established by the international agenda.

Today, we are aware that ful"lling the Objectives of Millennium Development is not enough to guarantee quality of life for the inhabitants of the territory. For this reason, the great challenge of the cities consists in the development of additional innovative strategies and projects that give its inhabitants the opportunity to improve their life projects and guarantee their rights within an increasingly more complex urban environment.

For “Bogotá Humana” (Humane Bogotá), human beings are at the center of our transformational processes. We ask ourselves, how can a human being acquire happiness in a city? And although we have no clear answer, we propose inclusion, tolerance, diversity, and respect for all forms of life including clean and renewable energy; we also propose creativity, culture and sports; we propose love and disarming our citizens and last of all, we propose peace.

Our ideas and projects are open to the world and at the same time, we seek innovative solutions to our problems that the world can o#er to us. Transferring knowledge and the exchange of experiences are today’s pillars for internationalizing the cities. And so I invite you to support Bogotá as the candidate to host the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders and 5th UCLG Congress, 2016.

Gustavo Petro UrregoMayor of Bogotá

EDITORIAL

In Bogotá, human beings are at the center of our transformational processes.

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UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in 2012 managing committee. In this regard, ONU HABITAT con"rms its support to our capital, Bogota’s, candidacy to host the next World Congress UCLG.

I take this opportunity to renew my pledge of highest consideration to Your Excellency.

Yours Sincerely,

Edgar Castaño SanchezAdvisor

It is my honor to address you in reference to Bogotá’s candidacy as host for the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders and 5th UCLG Congress in 2016.

Over the last years, Bogotá and the country in general have made signi"cant progress towards urban development, security, the "ght to overcome social segregation and multi modal mobility, among other subjects, by following principles of equality, solidarity and sustainable environment.

Bogotá has experienced a spectacular process of urban transformation that permits us to be considered a leading city in urban development throughout Latin America and the world. This transformational process is due to commitments made by all the city players, starting with community organizations all the way up to the Colombian National government, from the business sector to the entire citizenship by means of systems promoting citizen’s participation, multi-level governance and public - private alliances that ensure the sustainability of the district plans for development.

The creativity of its people and the dynamic $ow of its economy have rendered Bogotá one of the most attractive cities for Latin American investments today, at the same time that it became a member of the United Nations Safe Cities Global Network and

Bogotá is considered a leading city in urban development throughout Latin America and the world.

WHY CHOOSE Bogotá?

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Dear UCLG Board Members,

It is with great pleasure that I write to you in my condition of President of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce to express our outmost interest and support to the city of Bogotá, capital of Colombia, in its candidacy process to host the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders UCLG Congress in 2016.

Important urban and social changes and economic developments have been taking place over the last decade in Bogotá, making of it a referential city in Latin America; a city that has been growing steadily while putting its citizens in the center of this process.

The Chamber of Commerce, as an important actor in the city, promotes open and participatory discussions with relevant organizations to facilitate policy and decision making in strategic issues, strengthening the environment for business development in Bogotá and improving the quality of life of its citizens.

We would like to take this opportunity to share with the Board our commitment and full support with the city, in their desire to host UCLG in 2016. This event coincides with the strategic objectives of the Chamber of Commerce related to the consolidation of public-private partnerships to promote overall and inclusive development of our region.

Without any further ado we are inviting you to think di#erently, Think Bogotá.

Best Regards,

Mónica De Grei! LindoPresidentBogotá Chamber of Commerce

UCLG Congress:an important leverage to increase prosperity

WHY CHOOSE BOGOTÁ?

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On the 20th of November, 2012, the maximum representatives of Lima, Bogotá, Quito, Buenos Aires, Asunción, La Paz, Sucre and Santiago of Chile launched the “Good Will Agreements” as a fundamental element for what is known today as the Network of South American Cities.

Redcisur, which also includes the participation of Montevideo and Mexico City as honorable members, was born from the need to strengthen the regional integration process and develop one united voice within the national and international scenarios, similar to the UCLG. The promotion of spaces and instruments such as these that favor the di#usion of local government policies and practices and the exchange of opinions and experiences, is imperative to the organization.

In this way, Redcisur promotes solidarity and equal development in our cities and strongly promotes the construction of “our region”. Now that ten cities are members, we appeal for integration that goes beyond the commercial by including aspects of the cities’ political and social development, factors that translate into a proposal to elaborate the Redcisur agenda that shall give coherence and content to its voice.

From its start, our regional organization proposed the need to build a political model that would deal with local regional and global challenges such as the "ght against poverty, climate change, social inclusion, and consolidation of democracy, human rights, peace and human development. From that point on, the Network chose to focus its agenda on Urbanism and planning; security and citizen co-existence, environment and climate change.

Redcisur: The city’s voice in the region

By de"ning these central themes, Redcisur means to contribute to the elaboration of innovative solutions and common problems in order to confront the challenges of the XXI Century and make advancements among its peoples through economic, social, cultural and political development.

Leslie EsparzaGeneral CoordinatorRedcisur

WHY CHOOSE BOGOTÁ?

10WHY CHOOSE BOGOTÁ?

Over the last decades, Bogotá has experienced a notable transformation in urban economic, social and cultural processes that up to this point it is considered a global, diverse, inclusive and creative city. During this period, the city has journeyed towards a model whose main goals are the recognition of citizens’ rights, the democratization of public spaces, adaptation and mitigation of climate impact, the rescuing of public property and social inclusion. All of this is included within the perspective of re vindication of city rights and the proposal for a “More Humane Bogotá”

The historical reduction of the Massive Transport System’s fees – Transmilenio – the administration of free minimal quantities of vital water for the more vulnerable sectors of the population, assistance to street dwellers, the inclusion of individuals pertaining to the LGTB community and the reduction of inequality and poverty levels are very important results for the city. At the same time, the application of new antidrug policies handled from public health and prevention perspectives, along with the transformation of Bogota into a safer territory by reducing the historical level of murders, are some of the achievements brought about by an administration that situates human beings and citizens’ rights at the center of its concerns for development.

On the other hand, we must highlight the city’s innovative practices manifested by improved mobility, the extension of bicycle routes that have converted Bogotá into the 1° city in the Americas to circulate on bicycles, and important avenues that have been converted into pedestrian walkways. At the same time, these achievements are also re$ected in the application of a new garbage collection system that incorporates recyclers into district management programs related to residuals, as well as the recuperation of the city’s rivers and swamplands.

The proposal for a more humane Bogotá has been recognized by important international entities that have granted the city signi"cant rewards: “Leadership in City Climate Change Reward, Sustainable Transport category – C40 and Siemens”; “The "rst city in America and the eighth in the world to use bicycles – Ranking b “Cities for Bicycles Network” and “A City of Musical Creativity” awarded by UNESCO; among others.

Within this context, Bogotá presents its candidacy as host for the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders and 5th UCLG Congress in 2016, to serve as a platform for exchange and debate surrounding the vision for cities of the future, which will enrich the elaboration processes of new agendas for urban development. We invite you to visit our city and we are convinced of the importance of “bringing the world home” so we can learn from the experiences of local governments and thus strengthen the regional integration processes for the XXI century.

Eleonora Betancur GonzalezDirector International Relations of the Mayor’s O!ce

Bogotá’s proposal for a more humane city

11WHY CHOOSE BOGOTÁ?

Yours Sincerely,

Enrique Stellabatti TorresVicepresident of TourismProexport Colombia

Proexport Colombia, the o!cial entity in charge of promoting Non-Traditional Exports, Foreign Direct Investment and International Tourism, supports the initiative of hosting the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders and 5th UCLG Congress in Colombia.

The UCLG Summit will be an opportunity to show visitors from all around the world Colombia´s potential as a world class events destination. Important events such as the Summit of the Americas, the World Economic Forum on Latin American, the 50th Annual Meeting of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Global Development Network Annual Conference were successfully held in Colombia with remarkable results.

I present the most sincere invitation to welcome you to our country whenever you consider it convenient. I am con"dent that you will have an unforgettable experience, not only the city of Bogotá, but in our entire country, home of wonderful people, bright colors, unique $avors, and diverse landscapes.

Bogotá, an experienced event destination

12WHY CHOOSE BOGOTÁ?

Board Members,

Bogotá has witness an intense transformation process, especially during the last decade. This evolution has touched its social, urban and economic roots, making it a highly diverse multiethnic and multicultural city.

As the Capital of Colombia, we have been pushing and are responsible in a high percentage of the positive results the country is sharing with the world. Last investments in infrastructure, human capital and social mobility have shaped what Bogota is today.

For all of the above, and knowing that we can commit to a successful summit, is that we address you to ratify Bogotá´s interest in becoming the next host of the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders and 5th UCLG Congress.

Alexandra Torres AschExecutive DirectorBogotá Convention Bureau

Board MembersWorld Summit of Local and Regional LeadersAnd 5th UCLG CongressRabat, Morocco.

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While its coastal regions, southern Amazon jungle and eastern plains are tropically hot throughout the year, most of its important cities are located higher up the mountain range where temperatures are more moderate.

Bogotá, the capital of the Republic of Colombia, is one of these cities and is located in the heart of the country at a height of some 8,600 feet above sea level. The city is estimated to have 7.6 million inhabitants and its economy represents almost a quarter of the entire Colombian GDP.

Due to Bogotá’s central location and its position as the nation’s capital, the city has grown to become not just the political, but also the cultural and economic heart of Colombia.

The rest of the country can be divided in "ve regions, each with its own distinct cultural identity, ethnic composition and economic dynamics. Colombia’s two coastal regions have gained worldwide fame for their folkloric Afrocolombian music and dance styles like cumbia, bullerengue and currulao and are the main producers of bananas, coal and gold. Its Andean region harvest $owers and co#ee, the country’s most iconic export products. The plains in the east of the country are dominant when it comes to agriculture, livestock and oil, and the southern Amazon region gained worldwide fame for its almost unprecedented diversity in $ora and fauna.

This renaissance or “comeback,” as TIME magazine described it last year, is the result of steady socio-economic policies that take advantage of geographic conditions like the country’s strategic location in the western hemisphere and almost unprecedented natural wealth.

Colombia is located in the northwest of South America and has a population of 47 million. Since the country is located in the corner of the continent, it has ports on both the Paci"c and the Caribbean coast, allowing it access to the Paci"c and the Atlantic Ocean alike.

Its main natural resources consist of oil, coal, gold, silver, platinum and emeralds while the country traditionally has a strong position in the region when it comes to the cultivation and export of co#ee, $owers, livestock and fruits.

Additionally, Colombia has long been one of Latin America’s strongest players in the car and textile industry.

The country lies on the equator and at the foot of the Andes mountain range. This unique geographic location guarantees Colombia one of the most varied climatological, cultural and ecological diversity in the entire world.

Colombia, Latin America’s fourth largest economy, is receiving wide international acclaim for its almost miraculous transition; from being one of the world’s most violent places to a cultural hotspot, key player in Latin American politics and one of the world’s most promising developing economies.

Plaza de Bolívar Bogotá - Colombia

15The renaissance of the country as mentioned in TIME and con"rmed by global "nancial institutions, foreign governments and international media basically consists of a transition that took place in the past ten years when the country went from being one of the world’s most violent places to becoming a CIVET country, one of only "ve economies predicted by economists to be among the next emerging markets to quickly rise in economic prominence over the coming decades.

This widely praised shift has been the result of a combination of policies that involved the recovery of territory from illegal armed groups and subsequent policies to attract foreign investment to help monetize Colombia’s natural resources.

The policies initiated by former President Alvaro Uribe and continued by current President Juan Manuel Santos have allowed the country’s crime rates to plummet and its GDP to grow strongly and steadily, outperforming other Latin American economies while resisting a negative impact of global economic turmoil caused by the 2009 "nancial crisis in the United States and the Euro crisis in Europe in 2011.

Colombia’s initial economic growth was generated by successfully drawing foreign investors to the country resulting in increased capacity to export oil and mining products. This policy resulted in an 800% growth in foreign direct investment over the past ten years and an 80% increase in oil production over the same time period.

Additionally, trade agreements were sealed with some of the world’s largest economies like the United States, Japan and China in order to increase the export of Colombian products and services, and promote the integration of the South American country in the global economy.

Particularly under the Santos administration, domestic social programs were initiated to fight poverty and decrease inequality, effectively increasing the spending power of Colombian households and lowering poverty and inequality indicators.

The successes of these subsequent policies have been recognized and even praised by international institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, who have repeatedly supported Colombia’s policies and have extended credit lines necessary for further investment.

As Colombia was undergoing radical improvements, its image abroad followed. An increasing number of publications highlighting Colombia’s rapidly changing reality spurred the growth of a virtually non-existent tourism industry.

Colombia’s initial economic policy resulted in an 800% growth in foreign direct investment over the past ten years.

Soon after, cities like Bogotá, Medellin, Cali and Cartagena were tipped as up and coming tourist destinations by international travel magazines and websites and foreign visitor numbers tripled.

While Colombia is on the verge of becoming an emerging economy, the country has shown amazing resilience and the capacity to turn reality around by creating the conditions for sustainable growth that has generated an optimism seen, heard and felt throughout its national territory.

THIS IS COLOMBIA

Mamancana, Santa Marta - Colombia

Paipa, Boyacá - Colombia

16TIME LINE

17TIME LINE

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Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is located at 8,600 feet above sea level in the geographical center of the country. With approximately 7.6 million people living in its metropolitan area, it is by far the biggest urban center of the country and the sixth biggest city in Latin America. Because of the city’s altitude and the proximity to the equator, Bogotá has a steady climate throughout the year. Temperatures during the day lie around 19°C (66°F) and drop to an average of 9.5°C (49°F) at night.

The city is by far the country’s largest economic engine and represents a quarter of the entire Gross Domestic Product of Colombia. Within Latin America, Bogotá is the seventh largest urban economy, according to the Brookings Institute.

The security transformation of Colombia is seen ampli"ed in Bogotá. The capital city’s homicide rate has dropped from 38 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2000 to 16.9 – lower than that of American cities like Washington D.C. and Memphis, TN.

Also in socio-economic terms, Bogotá has undergone dramatic changes.

According to Colombia’s national statistics agency DANE, Bogotá registered a 9.5% unemployment rate in 2012, almost one percentage point below the national average and almost half of what it was 10 years before.

Additionally, the same agency reported that Bogotá last year registered by far the lowest poverty rate in Colombia. Within one decade, the city saw the percentage of inhabitants living under the poverty line drop from 31.8% to 11.6%, putting the city on the same level as for example Chile’s capital Santiago.

These drastic socio-economic changes have put Bogotá on the international map when it comes to doing business. According to economy magazine América Economía Intelligence, Bogotá has become Latin America’s 7th most competitive city. According to the international Congress and Convention Association, Bogotá is now the continent’s 6th largest recipient of visitors for corporate events.

The progress made in terms of security and poverty reduction have allowed the past Bogotá administrations to focus on issues like education, culture and international integration. This spurred a cultural revival allowing newly born Bogotá acts to gain fame abroad. Subsequently, the UN in 2012 dubbed the Colombian capital UNESCO City of Music, explaining Bogotá “is recognized foremost for its fast growing musical sector and dynamic music scene as a major center of musical creation and activity in Latin America.”

With approximately 7.6 million people living inits metropolitan area, it is by far the biggest urban center of the country and the sixth biggest cityin Latin America.

THE NEXT CITY

La Candelaria, Bogotá - Colombia

Usaquén train station, Bogotá - Colombia

A New Era

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In the heart of theCONECTIVITY

Américas:5 hours away from New York City on a direct $ight or 5 hours away from Buenos Aires on a direct $ight makes Bogotá the most accessible destination for UCLG Summit.

Bogotá´s Connectivity in facts:

More than 600 weekly international direct $ights. Direct Connection to 20 countries. 23 airlines $ight to Bogotá.A brand New Airport ElDorado.

El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá - Colombia

21CONECTIVITY

El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá - Colombia

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A HumaneBogotá

We are working in the construction of a more humane city that allows all of

its inhabitants, without any regards to income, race, ethnical origin, gender

identity, sexual orientation or religious, political and ideological beliefs to be able to boost their potential as human beings.

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Propose alternatives to build amongst all of its citizens a model city that recreates life.

Build a city that overcomes segregation and discrimination and places the human being in the center of every concern of its development.

Focus e#orts around two key elements: densi"cation will be made without segregation and it will be green.

Preservation of water is a must if we shall care for life in this territory; making Bogotá the only city in Colombia that can proudly say that has a plan to face climate change.

Every child will be granted their basic needs as well as a warm and cultural context. Children have the right to grow in a city that lives in harmony with nature and beliefs in life values.

Reduce, recycle and reuse in all possible activities.

Only by strengthening the concept of what is public, is that we can work together in building peace and promoting an approach towards human security for safety coexistence.

Schools, parks, hospitals, cultural and sports centers and any other form of equipment shall be distributed in a way that grants equal access to every citizen.

Prevention and education of the social, institutional and environment causes that drive people to commit crime, con$ict or violence shall be the focus of public safety.

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Festivals in the Park

Festivals in the Park are public cultural projects that allow citizens from all socio-economic strata, ages and education levels to congregate in the public parks and open air spaces to enjoy di#erent musical expressions.

Rock, Jazz, Salsa, Hip Hop, Opera among other rhythms are part of the Festivals in the Park.

Rock al ParqueThe largest free Rock event in South America

Third largest Rock Festival in the world.

Iberoamerican Theater FestivalThe most important festival in Latin America.

More than 2.8 million spectators, 65 international

theater companies from more than 33 countries.

Other cultural expressions includeInternational Art Fair of Bogotá – ArtBo-

BAM – Bogotá Audiovisual Market

BOM – Bogotá Music Market.

Bogotá is a city where every note has a space and every audience has a stage, a city where tradition and modernity are in dialogue. A city where arts and culture are lived and expressed all year long in the streets, the parks and the public spaces. A place where the performing arts create inclusion, interculturality, respect for di#erences, and a permanent renewal of ties between people. Bogotá is a city that lives through culture.

A Cultural Hub

Rock al Parque, Bogotá - Colombia

Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro, Bogotá - Colombia

Bogotá:

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experienced venues International

The future Bogotá International Convention Center (CICB for its abbreviation in Spanish) will be located in the ground of the International Business and Exhibitions Center Corferias, located on a strategic area of the city of Bogotá, known as the Innovation Ring Operation (INNOBO for its abbreviation in Spanish).

With the construction of “Agora Bogotá”, the city will have the capacity to assemble 4,000 people in the same auditorium. It will be built and operating in 2016.

International Convention Center “Ágora Bogotá”

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Corferias International Center for Businesses and Exhibitions is the most important venue for fairs, events, and conventions in Latin America. It o#ers a new, 15,500 square meters (166,840 square foot), multi-functional pavilion, consolidating itself as the largest column-free area of the region.

Corferias

28POINT OF INTEREST

29MAGICAL VENUES

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A city to live through your #ve senses. Its $avors are captivating and its scents, hypnotizing.

Here, experiences are constructed through traditions, its people and its geography. We have thousands of stories to tell that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

In addition to facilities for doing business, and organizing events and conventions, Bogotá has a wide choice of possibilities for local and foreign tourists.

Top 10 Must Go Places

1. Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)The Gold Museum gathers more than 34,000 pieces of gold and 20,000 lithics, ceramics, textiles and precious stones belonging to the indigenous culture.

Bogotá’s Tourism Offer

2. Botero’s Museum and Mint House Its art collection was donated in the year 2,000 by world renown Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

3. Museo Nacional de Colombia(Colombian National Museum)The "rst in Colombia and one of the oldest in Latin America. It was declared as a national monument for its historic and architectural value. The building, which has a stone facade and an interior courtyard, was a prison for almost 72 years.

4. Monserrate´s Sanctuary “Cerro de Monserrate” is a symbol for the city, not only for its natural resources, but also for its religious connotations. The mountain guards the city from 3,200 meters above sea level.

TOURISM OFFER

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5. Simon Bolívar´s Park With 360 hectares of extension, this is one of the city´s lungs, becoming an essential part of the capital´s life because of its strategic location, its vast green spaces and the diverse area.

6. Usaquen Plaza and neighborhoodA neighborhood where cobblestone streets and colonial houses mixes with modern architecture. Today they are used for exclusive restaurants, bars and co#ee shops.

7. Candelaria Historical CenterSince the XVI century, when the "rst constructions were built there, it has been a political, administrative and religious center. Its steep streets still keep the names used during the centuries of Colonial rule.

8. Andres Carne de ResThis bar, restaurant and nightclub (among many other attributes), is considered the “sanctuary of rumba” in Bogotá. Its décor is full of anecdotes and typical elements.

9. Guatavita LagoonThe birthplace of the legend of “El Dorado”

10. Salt Cathedral of ZipaquiraBuilt 80 meters underground, the cathedral is the country’s most famous Catholic sanctuary: each Station of the Cross is a magni"cent work of art and engineering masterpiece.

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How are we going to achieve it? We have established three main working areas:

1. O"cial Venues

distance between them.O#er a sustainability policy and an action plan.

Apply environmental considerations in purchasing policies. Consume eco-labeled cleaning products. Provide su!ciently well-marked bins in all areas and collect separately all waste.

Reuse materials or donate them to charities.

2. Food and beverage:

We will assure that catering companies and food and beverage suppliers comply with the following:

Well marked bins for leftovers, making sure that biodegradable and recyclable item are collected separately.

The planning and executing of carbon neutral events is a city´s commitment. We can proudly say that Bogotá is prepared to help you organize an unique and green summit. From the creation of a green committee in charge of proposing clear objectives, selecting sustainable suppliers and making sure these goals are accomplished.

Colombia, as the second most bio diverse country inthe world, is aware that being green is more than a trend.

functions but to do so only upon request.

glassware and linens.

beverages.

3. Event Organization

UCLG World Summit goes Green

GREEN SECTION

Botanical Garden, Bogotá - Colombia

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Thoroughly combing over as many details as possible is a great maneuver aimed to present an event worth remembering. The following details can make a di#erence:

participants to be green. Create a bank of green ideas, where participants can share new initiatives. This bank will be shared with UCLG for next summits.

Reduce the consumption of paper by encouraging the use of internet and social media.

Provide a stable internet connection, allowing attendees to have a direct communication with the meeting organizers and download information of interest such as conference material.

Inspire participants to bring their own pens and paper. Provide them upon request.

Use sustainably harvested organic or recycled material to produce relevant merchandise items and accreditation badges.

Minimize the use of decorative elements and always choose sustainable décor .

GREEN SECTION

National Park, Bogotá - Colombia

National Park. Bogotá - Colombia

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According to the requirements and the commitment that we must assume with the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders and 5th UCLG Congress the following entities have join e!orts to guarantee the viability of the Summit in Bogotá.

Committed tothe UCLG success

O!cial Host

Libert y Orden

SUMMIT SUPPORT

National Host

Local Host

It is your turn to write the next chapter of our history…

“All our expectations have been met. We have taken this event to cities in thirteen di#erent countries and this is as good as it’s got. You´ve stepped us up a level”Bob Hodgson Cambridge University International Conference on Technology Policy and Innovation – ICTPI

“So much enthusiasm, so much creativity, so much spirit and lively atmosphere. Yes, many things are happening” Marina Ranga Stanford University

“Bogotá is a city with an absolutely extraordinary sense of energy and you can feel it in every street you walk down. It’s a city with culture in its bloodstream and an incredible friendly place. Cannot wait to go back”Anthony Sargent Elected President International Society for the Performing Arts – ISPA

“The Colombian capital has become one of the most important cities in South America, with a creative and innovative spirit that has seen it become the "nancial center of the Andean region.”New European Economy Business is Blooming in Bogotá

“Visitors will discover a surprisingly cosmopolitan, deeply intellectual city full of writers and thinkers brooding in cafes and artsy locals perusing the city’s many museums”BBC Business trip: Bogota

“Bogotá’s landscape is changing rapidly. People who abandoned its centre for safer, outlying neighbourhoods at the height of the internal con$ict in the 1990s are coming back.”The Guardian Bogotá’s age of rediscovery

Bogotá is experiencing a new era.

Bogotá is a global, diverse, inclusive and creative city that recognizes the human being as the center of its transformation processes for the progress of all.

Bogotá ranks among the top ten cities of Latin America and the "rst in Colombia as a business center and tourist destination.

During the last 20 years we have transformed the city’s infrastructure and we are currently revitalizing our historical district and consolidating our integrated public transport system, focusing on inclusion and sustainability.

Our capital grows surrounded by Andean Mountains, rivers and wetlands in the process of betterment, parks, gardens and public spaces for walking or cycling. We have a cutting edge cultural agenda and the best schools and universities of the country.

Welcome to our city, Bogotá.