1. USD 12.00
EDITION 28 - SEPTEMBER 2013
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.

4. Content
Editorial
Why Choose Bogotá?
Colombia:
The rebirth of a country
Editorial
Gustavo Petro Urrego
Mayor of Bogotá
6
7
14
Time Line
16
The Next City
18
Conectivity
20
A Humain Bogotá
22
Bogotá: a cultural hub
25
International
ExperiencedVenues
26
Points of Interest
28
Tourism Offer
30
Green Section
32
Summit Support
34
Edgar Castaño Sánchez
Advisor ONU Habitat
Mónica De Greiff Lindo
President Bogotá Chamber of Commerce
Leslie Esparza
General Coordinator (South
American Cities Network – Redcisur)
Eleonora Betancur
Director International Relations of the
Mayor’s Office
Alexandra Torres
Executive Director Bogotá Convention
Bureau
Partnership
Proexport Colombia
Government of Bogotá
Bogotá Chamber of Commerce
Invest in Bogotá
Transmilenio S.A
Bogotá Convention Bureau
Official Host
Mayor’s of Bogotá Office
Design and Layout
Lizardo Carvajal
Production
Bogotá Convention Bureau

6. EDITORIAL
6
In Bogotá, human
beings are at the center
of our transformational
processes.
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 fulfilling 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 offer 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 Urrego
Mayor of Bogotá

7. WHY CHOOSE Bogotá?
Bogotá is
considered a
leading city in urban
development
throughout Latin
America and the world.
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 significant progress towards urban development,
security, the fight 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 flow 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
UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in 2012 managing committee.
In this regard, ONU HABITAT confirms 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 Sanchez
Advisor
7

8. WHY CHOOSE BOGOTÁ?
8
UCLG Congress:
an important
leverage to
increase prosperity
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
differently, Think Bogotá.
Best Regards,
Mónica De Greiff Lindo
President
Bogotá Chamber of Commerce

9. WHY CHOOSE BOGOTÁ?
Redcisur:
The city’s voice in the
region
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
diffusion 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 fight 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.
By defining 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 Esparza
General Coordinator
Redcisur
9

10. WHY CHOOSE BOGOTÁ?
10
Bogotá’s
proposal for a
more humane
city
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 reflected 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 significant rewards: “Leadership in City Climate Change
Reward, Sustainable Transport category – C40 and Siemens”;
“The first 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 Gonzalez
Director International Relations of the Mayor’s Office

11. WHY CHOOSE BOGOTÁ?
Bogotá, an
experienced
event
destination
Proexport Colombia, the official 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 confident
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 flavors, and diverse landscapes.
Yours Sincerely,
Enrique Stellabatti Torres
Vicepresident of Tourism
Proexport Colombia
11

12. WHY CHOOSE BOGOTÁ?
12
Board Members
World Summit of
Local and Regional
Leaders
And 5th UCLG
Congress
Rabat, Morocco.
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 Asch
Executive Director
Bogotá Convention Bureau

13. 13

14. 14
Plaza de Bolívar Bogotá - Colombia
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.
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 Pacific
and the Caribbean coast, allowing it access to the Pacific 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 coffee, flowers, 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.
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 five 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 flowers and coffee, 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 flora and fauna.

15. THIS IS COLOMBIA
The renaissance of the country as mentioned in TIME
and confirmed by global financial 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 five
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 financial 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.
Paipa, Boyacá - Colombia
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.
Mamancana, Santa Marta - Colombia
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.
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.
15

16. TIME LINE
16

17. TIME LINE
17

18. THE NEXT CITY
18
A New Era
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.
Usaquén train station, Bogotá - Colombia
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 amplified 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.
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.”
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.
La Candelaria, Bogotá - Colombia

20. CONECTIVITY
20
In the heart of the
Américas:
5 hours away from New York City on a direct flight or 5 hours
away from Buenos Aires on a direct flight makes Bogotá the
most accessible destination for UCLG Summit.
Bogotá´s Connectivity in facts:
More than 600 weekly international direct flights.
Direct Connection to 20 countries.
23 airlines flight to Bogotá.
A brand New Airport ElDorado.
ElDoradoInternationalAirport,Bogotá-Colombia

21. CONECTIVITY
ElDoradoInternationalAirport,Bogotá-Colombia
21

22. 22
A Humane
Bogotá
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.

23. 23
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 efforts around two key elements:
densification 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, conflict or violence
shall be the focus of public safety.

24. 24

25. Bogotá:
A Cultural Hub
25
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 differences, and a permanent renewal of ties between people.
Bogotá is a city that lives through culture.
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 different musical expressions.
Rock, Jazz, Salsa, Hip Hop, Opera among other rhythms
are part of the Festivals in the Park.
Rock al Parque
The largest free Rock event in South America
Third largest Rock Festival in the world.
Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro, Bogotá - Colombia
Iberoamerican Theater Festival
The most important festival in Latin America.
More than 2.8 million spectators, 65 international
theater companies from more than 33 countries.
Other cultural expressions include
International Art Fair of Bogotá – ArtBoBAM – Bogotá Audiovisual Market
BOM – Bogotá Music Market.
Rock al Parque, Bogotá - Colombia

26. 26
International
experienced venues
International Convention Center
“Ágora Bogotá”
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.

27. 27
Corferias
Corferias International Center for
Businesses and Exhibitions is the most
important venue for fairs, events, and
conventions in Latin America. It offers
a new, 15,500 square meters (166,840
square foot), multi-functional pavilion,
consolidating itself as the largest columnfree area of the region.

28. 28
POINT OF INTEREST

29. MAGICAL VENUES
29

30. TOURISM OFFER
30
Bogotá’sTourism Offer
A city to live through your five senses.
Its flavors 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
3. Museo Nacional de Colombia
(Colombian National Museum)
The first 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.
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.
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.
2. Botero’s Museum and Mint House
Its art collection was donated in the year 2,000 by world
renown Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

31. 31
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 neighborhood
A neighborhood where cobblestone streets and colonial
houses mixes with modern architecture. Today they are used
for exclusive restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
7. Candelaria Historical Center
Since the XVI century, when the first 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 Res
This 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 Lagoon
The birthplace of the legend of “El Dorado”
10. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
Built 80 meters underground, the cathedral is the country’s
most famous Catholic sanctuary: each Station of the Cross is
a magnificent work of art and engineering masterpiece.

32. GREEN SECTION
32
UCLG
World
Summit
goes Green
Colombia, as the second most bio diverse country in
the world, is aware that being green is more than a trend.
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.
How are we going to achieve it? We have
established three main working areas:
1. Official Venues
distance between them.
Offer a sustainability policy and an action plan.
Apply environmental considerations in purchasing policies.
Consume eco-labeled cleaning products.
Provide sufficiently well-marked bins in all areas and collect
separately all waste.
Reuse materials or donate them to charities.
functions but to do so only upon request.
glassware and linens.
beverages.
3. Event Organization
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.
Botanical Garden, Bogotá - Colombia

33. GREEN SECTION
33
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 difference:
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 .
National Park. Bogotá - Colombia
National Park, Bogotá - Colombia

34. SUMMIT SUPPORT
34
Committedto
theUCLGsuccess
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 efforts to guarantee the viability of the Summit in Bogotá.
Official Host
National Host
L ib ert
Local Host
y O rd e n

35. 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
different 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 financial
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 conflict in the 1990s are
coming back.”
The Guardian
Bogotá’s age of rediscovery
Bogotá is experiencing a new era.

36. 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 first 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.