Traslated by Andrés Martínez Forero
‘Bogotá, My City, My Home’ has been selected by UN-Habitat as the official host city for World Cities Day 2025—the United Nations’ flagship event on sustainable urbanism. The summit will bring together leading global experts in urban development, with participation from international leaders, local governments, multilateral organizations, academia, the private sector, and civil society.
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Bogotá was chosen after a rigorous selection process that assessed best urban practices, institutional capacity, financial commitment, and a holistic, people-centered approach to urban development.
This marks the first time a Colombian city has hosted this global event, recognizing Bogotá’s progress in sustainability, inclusion, housing, innovation, and urban resilience, as well as its ability to make forward-thinking decisions supported by innovative tools and technology.
“For Bogotá, it’s both an honor and a tremendous responsibility to host World Cities Day. We will welcome the world to a city transforming itself by putting people at the heart of its public policies. We’re ready to show that building a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive city—with trust and citizen participation—is possible,” said Carlos Fernando Galán, Mayor of Bogotá.
Theme: People-Centered Smart Cities
The central theme of the event is People-Centered Smart Cities, focusing on how technology, data, and innovation can serve as powerful tools to enhance quality of life, reduce inequality, combat climate change, and strengthen urban governance.
Key topics will include:
- Comprehensive habitat and social inclusion
- Urban sustainability and resilience
- Participatory and smart governance
The celebration will be jointly led by UN-Habitat and the Bogotá City Government, with support from national and international institutions. Over 1,000 attendees are expected, including mayors from major global cities, UN representatives, experts, and multilateral organizations.
“Bogotá has demonstrated a holistic, people-centered vision for urban development, backed by innovation and strong institutional commitment. It’s a city with experience, regional leadership, and a strong social focus in its planning—which is why it has been chosen as the host for World Cities Day 2025,” said Elkin Velásquez Monsalve, UN-Habitat’s Regional Representative for Latin America.
The official World Cities Day session, led by UN-Habitat, will take place on October 31 at the Virgilio Barco Public Library in Bogotá, featuring prominent global leaders and urban development experts.
Benefits for Bogotá
As part of the celebration, Bogotá will host an academic forum on October 30 to discuss urban challenges such as climate change, water governance, resilient infrastructure, public service delivery, revitalization, housing, and social mobility. This academic agenda will serve as a lead-up to the main UN-Habitat event the following day, with global delegations in attendance. Additional side events will be organized by local government agencies partnering in the summit.
“The Cities Summit is more than an international showcase—it’s a chance to accelerate Bogotá’s urban transformation. It’s a platform to highlight our commitment to building a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient city, where accessible housing, dignified living conditions, and equal opportunities are a reality for everyone,” said Vanessa Velasco, Bogotá’s Secretary of Habitat.
Velasco emphasized that Bogotá is becoming increasingly resilient, preparing to face adverse events driven by natural phenomena and climate change to protect its most vulnerable populations.
Bogotá aims for this event to result in a clear roadmap for a more prepared, equitable, and resilient city—leveraging the occasion to strengthen global partnerships, fast-track public policy implementation, and lead with tangible action.
About World Cities Day
Established by the UN General Assembly in 2013, World Cities Day promotes global dialogue on sustainable urbanization, supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and reinforces the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. It has been celebrated annually since 2015, concluding Urban October.
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With this designation, Bogotá joins the ranks of previous host cities like Shanghai, Milan, Istanbul, Luxor, and Alexandria—further establishing itself as a Latin American leader in innovative and inclusive urban policy.
*This article was created using information provided by the Bogotá’s International Relations Office and curated by a journalist from Portal Bogotá. For suggestions, questions, or more information, visit Bogotá Te Escucha: https://bogota.gov.co/sdqs/
