More Than 50 Mayors from Latin America and the Caribbean Gather in Colombia to Strengthen Cooperation and Advance More Resilient Cities

BOGOTÁ — The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), through its IDB Cities Network, is bringing together more than 50 mayors and national and local authorities from Latin America and the Caribbean in Bogotá and Barranquilla, Colombia, for the 2026 Mayors Forum, one of the region’s leading platforms for discussing the future of cities and urban transformation initiatives to improve citizens’ quality of life. 

The event, held on September 2-4, seeks to foster cooperation and peer learning among cities to help strengthen management capacity, attract investment, and implement solutions that deliver tangible results. 

The forum was officially inaugurated today in Bogotá by the president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, who delivered the opening remarks. 

Juan Pablo Bonilla, manager of the IDB’s Climate Change and Sustainable Development Sector, said, “At the IDB, we are committed to strengthening cooperation among local governments and expanding access to knowledge, financing, and innovation to support cities in their efforts to jointly address territorial development challenges.” 

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán noted during the opening session that “just as we share challenges, cities can also share solutions that improve people’s lives. Bogotá has much to share, and also, much to learn. We thank the Inter-American Development Bank for creating this space for exchange, where cities can share experiences and build solutions that respond to urban challenges and improve the lives of millions of people across Latin America and the Caribbean.” 

For the first time, the forum is being held in two host cities. Following the opening in Bogotá, participants will travel tomorrow to Barranquilla to continue exchanging experiences on topics related to fiscal sustainability, mobilization of financing, and investment to strengthen resilience and productivity. 

“Barranquilla welcomes you with open arms and with the conviction that the best solutions to the world’s challenges are born in local territories. Nearly 20 years of our governance model, working hand in hand with our people, have transformed the way our country and the world see us today, restoring confidence and harnessing our joy, hospitality, discipline, and responsible resource management to place people at the center of decision-making and our natural assets as a new engine of development,” said Alejandro Char, mayor of Barranquilla. “Enjoy Barranquilla and feel the energy of a city that never stopped believing in itself,” he added. 

The event brings together representatives from cities including Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Guadalajara, San José, Cali, Panama City, Curitiba, Villavicencio, Kingston, and Montevideo, among others. Through this initiative, the IDB continues to strengthen a network of local leaders committed to sharing experiences and implementing solutions that improve lives across the region.