Translated by Andrés Martínez Forero
On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, Bogotá’s Mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán, spearheaded the first International Cooperation Roundtable for the Circular Solid Waste Management Model in the city. This gathering is a landmark in the capital's environmental management, marking the first instance of establishing collaboration with international actors.
(Check out. Galán Pushes for Cooperation with World Bank and Multilateral Banks in the U.S.)
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The main goal of the roundtable was to formally kick off international cooperation for the design, bidding, financing, and initial operation of the city’s new circular solid waste management model.
During the meeting, the significance of this process was highlighted, detailing the administration’s projected model, the steps involved in its design, and the cooperation opportunities of interest to multilateral banks, embassies, and other cooperation agencies.
Mayor Galán emphasized the importance of this collaborative approach and expressed gratitude to the various international actors for their willingness to contribute to the design and construction of a circular model: “Thank you all for your support. The key is to work alongside UAESP and the Habitat Secretariat team to organize all the assistance you have offered us to achieve our goal of implementing a circular solid waste management model in Bogotá.”
The meeting was attended by Vanessa Velazco, Secretary of Habitat; Consuelo Ordóñez, Director of the Special Administrative Unit of Public Services (UAESP); Sandra Borda, Counselor for International Relations; and over 15 representatives from multilateral banks, international cooperation agencies, and embassies.
(Also read.Bogotá Ranks Among Top Three Cities for Business Tourism in Latin America)
Sustainability in waste management is a priority for Carlos Fernando Galán’s administration and is essential in the Bogotá Camina Segura Development Plan. The circular model aims to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water and sanitation, and sustainable cities and communities.
In this regard, Bogotá seeks support from the meeting’s attendees in various aspects. The new model requires technical support to ensure the best and most sustainable version, as well as funding for its construction.
