The world gathers in Bogota to discuss cities and climate change

(Bogota, Oct. 30). Bogota will host the top Latin American event dealing with climate change impact on cities and solutions being implemented in cities throughout the world. The summit on Nov. 19, 20 and 21 at Bogota City Hall (Carrera 8 #10-65) and the Chamber of Commerce (Avenida Eldorado No 68D-35) will gather 20 delegations of Latin American officials, 16 delegations of Colombian officials and experts, as well as speakers from 12 countries who will discuss the effect of climate change on cities in the region. Their goal is to lend support based on local experience and inspiration provided by cities that have become global examples, regional and global initiatives by officials and technical staff on mitigation and adjustment to climate change, strengthening particularly “South-South” and “triangular” cooperation channels.

“The Summit of Cities and Climate Change” follows the successful Cities and Climate Change Seminar held last year in Bogota and will gahter more than 40 experts who will be making presentations on this issue. Speakers will discuss it from different angles, including planning and comprehensive management of settlements, cities and regions; comprehensive strategies for adjustment and mitigation; urban infrastructure and smart public services, and water as a pivotal factor in climate change.

The event, organized by the Bogota City Hall, the Embassy of France, The French Development Agency (AFD), CAF –development bank of Latin America, Avina, Findeter and publishing house El Tiempo, coordinated by the Ciudad Humana Foundation, will feature speakers including Mexican Environment Minister Martha Delgado, Rio de Janeiro Vice Mayor Carlos Alberto Muñiz, Brazilian Legislator and Brazil’s Green Party founder Alfredo Sirkis, and former Paris Vice Mayor and National Assembly Vice President Denis Baupin, who will share successful experiences on climate change that can be reproduced in the region.

Bogota, a pioneering city in including climate change in its “Human Bogota 2012-2016” Development Plan and within the framework of the Cities and Climate Change summit, will promote the signing of the Bogota Declaration as a contribution towards fullfilment of the Mexico City Pact, a landmark agreement among local governments throughout the world to cope with this issue.