Translated by Andrés Martínez Forero
‘Bogotá, My City, My Home’ continues to make history through sustainable investments that improve quality of life and raise the city’s global profile. Colombia’s capital has once again earned international recognition for its leadership in sustainable finance and public-sector innovation. This time, Bogotá received the “Pioneer – First Sub-Sovereign Green Bond” award at the 10th Climate Bonds Awards, honoring the successful issuance of its international green bond.
You might be interested in: Corferias in Bogotá Ranked Among the World’s Top 100 Convention Centers for 2026
With this latest distinction, presented in the Dominican Republic to John Sarmiento, Bogotá’s Director of Public Credit, the city has now received two international awards in 2026 for this financial transaction. The recognition follows last week’s honor at Environmental Finance’s Sustainable Debt Awards, where Bogotá’s issuance was named Green Bond of the Year in the Local Authority/Municipality category.
These achievements reaffirm global markets’ confidence in Bogotá’s financial strength and its long-term vision for sustainable development.
Below is a post from Bogotá’s Secretariat of Finance on X with more information:
https://x.com/HaciendaBogota/status/2047663603621216445?s=20
The award recognizes the USD 600 million issuance, equivalent to COP 2.3 trillion, led by the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá through the Secretariat of Finance. All proceeds will be invested in projects that transform the city’s mobility system and help reduce annual CO₂ emissions.
“This second international recognition shows that Bogotá is moving forward through responsible, innovative decisions. It also reaffirms Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán’s vision for a more sustainable city that is committed to protecting the environment. We are mobilizing resources to finance projects that improve residents’ lives and prepare Bogotá for the climate challenges ahead,” said Ana María Cadena, Bogotá’s Secretary of Finance.
Bogotá Stands Out for Its Commitment to Climate Action
Bogotá is the first city in Latin America to issue an international green bond, setting a regional precedent for subnational governments seeking access to climate finance.
The proceeds will fund strategic projects such as Line 2 of the Bogotá Metro, new aerial cable lines, upgrades to key transport corridors, and the modernization of public infrastructure. These investments will strengthen sustainable mobility, reduce polluting emissions, and improve quality of life for millions of residents.
International Confidence, Tangible Results for Bogotá
The bond issuance attracted demand equal to 1.34 times the amount offered, with international investors accounting for 93.4% of participation—clear evidence of Bogotá’s credibility in global markets.
Don't leave without checking out: Bogotá named the world’s most authentic city for travelers, according to InsureandGo
A Collective Achievement
This historic green bond issuance comes as Bogotá’s Secretariat of Finance marks its 100th anniversary. It reflects the rigorous technical work of the Public Credit Office, along with the support of strategic partners including the structuring banks Goldman Sachs and BNP Paribas; legal advisors Mayer Brown LLP, Mendoza Abogados S.A.S., Clifford Chance US LLP, and Cuatrecasas Colombia S.A.S.; the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI); and the European Union’s Global Green Bond Initiative (GGBI). The transaction also benefited from the backing of anchor investors, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF).
*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
