Medellín y Chapecó, hermanos por siempre

Chapecó and Medellín, brothers forever

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November 29― Today, it’s now one year after the tragedy of the Chapecoense soccer team, an event that shocked the world and strengthened the ties between Chapecó (Brazil) and Medellín (Colombia).

Both cities made this relationship official on May 10, 2017, through a twinning agreement. “The gratitude, solidarity, peace, harmony, respect for differences, overcoming difficulties and friendship, are feelings that will unite us forever, ” said the mayor of Chapecó, Luciano Buligom.

In this twinning, Medellín and Chapecó share a spirit of dialogue, peace and harmony and commit to constantly promote ethics, respect for differences and strengthening the bonds of friendship among its citizens through cultural, social, environmental and economic activities.

The Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area – ACI Medellín is in charge of establishing a permanent dialogue between the authorities of both cities, exploring cooperation opportunities, mainly in territorial planning, mobility, public transport, health and childhood.

Medellín Park in Chapecó

As a tribute to the victims of that tragic accident, a space to contemplate life is built in Chapecó. The Medellín Park will have a viewpoint, fenced boardwalks with benches, flowers, skate parks, public services, fountains, water mirror, flower beds, areas for sculptures and flags and a stage for different leisure and recreational activities.

Even the sky cried

Telemedellín broadcast on Sunday, November 26, the documentary “Hasta el cielo lloró” (Even the sky cried), a story told with the voices of the players, survivors, relatives and lifeguards involved in the tragedy of Chapecoense. It will be retransmitted on Tuesday, November 28 at 10:00 pm.

The mayor of Chapecó thanked the documentary and wrote:

“My brothers from Medellin. On November 29, we celebrated one year of the tragedy that shook all the people of Chapecó.

The tribute broadcasted on Telemedellín, the institutional channel of the Mayor’s Office of Medellín, besides moving us, was a beautiful gesture which only reaffirmed the bond between two sister cities.
 
That is why today, I thank and acknowledge all the love you gave us in that tragic and painful moment.

You embraced us, gave us love, affection and from that moment we began to rebuild ourselves. The world recognizes that Medellín offered its best feelings for the reconstruction not only of Chapecoense, but to all Brazilian people.

Brothers forever. For always fraternity will unite us and in the most difficult moments we will remember the love of all of you.

Thank you very much.

Luciano Buligom
Mayor of Chapecó

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RUTA N Invests in IRPA AI Plan to Develop a Nearshore ‘Pipeline’ of Automation and AI Talent on Demand

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RUTA N, the Colombian public-private venture dedicated to the development of innovative technology-based businesses, selected IRPA AI (The Institute for Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence), to lead its first-ever Digital Americas Pipeline Initiative (DAPI), which will develop an AI Center of Excellence and create thousands of RPA and AI jobs in Medellín, Colombia.

The initiative will provide companies with direct access to trained, experienced, and certified RPA & AI professionals on demand and at scale

DAPI will leverage IRPA AI’s membership network, trusted relationships, training and certification capabilities, as well as the cost-effective technology talent pool in Medellín to provide North and South American enterprises, service providers, startups and advisory firms with trained, experienced and certified RPA and AI professionals on demand and at scale. This initiative will:

  • Drive advanced service offerings through an IRPA AI apprenticeship residency, training and certification program
  • Establish business networks to promote market engagement and sales for new AI/machine learning, RPA, and digital powered services
  • Increase foreign investments
  • Deliver R&D in automation and AI to enable analytics, Internet of Things – IoT- and cloud computing
  • Generate economic growth with increased jobs

 

“The greatest challenge in the rapidly expanding RPA and AI space is not technology, it’s talent, and proximity to that talent,” said Frank Casale, Founder of IRPA AI. “This is the first initiative of its kind to address this challenge, while creating scalable and affordable talent from a trusted, time zone friendly source. DAPI has full support from the Colombian government, businesses and academic research communities, and will advance automation and AI”.

“We are delighted to announce the partnership with IRPA AI, and our funding of the AI Center of Excellence,” said Alejandro Franco, Executive Director of Ruta N. “DAPI is a direct and bi-directional conduit, connecting RPA and AI technology, talent, intellectual property (IP) and funding between North and South America.  It provides us with economic fuel, creating highly sought-after employment opportunities that will positively and significantly impact our city’s future business development. Frank Casale’s vision, and IRPA AI’s expansive global network and technology expertise will help anchor Medellín as the RPA and AI hub of Latin America.”

Companies around the world have woken up to the transformational effect that RPA and AI bring to their businesses and are hard-pressed to find the right digital talent from a relatively small pool. A global study from IDT found that 80 percent of businesses cite digital transformation as a priority, but only 17 percent of respondents had enough employees with the right skills to embark on a smooth digital transformation. The serious shortage of experienced and qualified people who can meet the demand has U.S. and Canadian corporations looking outside traditional sources for geographically close and cost-effective talent.

The Digital Pipeline Initiative is being formally unveiled at IRPA AI’s Automation Innovation Conference, on December 5-6, 2017 in New York and December 13, 2017 in London.  To learn more, email Carrie.Simon@irpanetwork.com.

 

About IRPA AI

Founded in 2013, the Institute for Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence (IRPA AI) is an independent professional association and knowledge forum for buyers, sellers, influencers and analysts of robotic process automation, cognitive computing and artificial intelligence. Our global network and advisory services offer leading-edge market intelligence, industry research, sourcing assistance and events as well as opportunities to learn and network with stakeholders across service industry functions. Membership in IRPA AI is free. To join and to learn more about IRPA AI please visit: www.irpaai.com.

 

About RUTA N

Ruta N is a corporation created by the Medellin City Hall, TIGO-UNE and EPM in 2011 to boost the city’s innovation ecosystem by promoting the development of innovative technology-based companies, thus increasing the competitiveness of the city and the region. The Ruta N corporation, which is financed with public funds, not only promotes the development of companies operating in Medellin (Colombia’s second largest city), but also works with the public and private sectors to foster innovation, support entrepreneurs and provide technological training for youth.

 

About the ACI Medellin

Founded in 2002, the Cooperation and Investment Agency of Medellin and the Metropolitan Area (ACI Medellin) is the entity responsible for finding different organizations and allies at the international level to foster the development of the region through two tools: foreign direct investment and international cooperation. The ACI Medellin supports this Memorandum of Understanding by providing american companies with legal and operational guidance in Medellin, industry context and key local connections, thus facilitating their easy entry and growth thereof on the Colombian market.

 

About ProColombia

ProColombia is the organization tasked with the commercial promotion of non-traditional exports, international tourism, Foreign Investment in Colombia and the Colombia Country Brand. Through our national and international network of offices, we provide comprehensive consultancy and support to local entrepreneurs through services aimed at facilitating the design and implementation of their internationalization strategies, striving to generate, develop and finalize business opportunities.

 

Press Contact

Carrie Simon
Manager of Member Communication
carrie.simon@irpanetwork.com

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Medellín, a special guest at the 10th Meeting of Leaders Comunitas in Brazil

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The mayor of Medellín Federico Gutiérrez Zuluaga was a special guest at the 10th Meeting of Leaders Comunitas in Brazil. He spoke at the panel “Shared governance in the new urban agenda,” about Medellín’s best practices on social inclusion, urban security and the university-company-state Committee.

Also, the event was attended by Rafael Greca, mayor of Curitiba; Paula Mascarenhas, mayor of Pelotas; Luiz Ildefonso Simões of the Canadian multinational Brookfield and Eduardo Mufarej of Somos Educación and founder of RenovaBR.

Sergio Escobar, Executive director of ACI Medellín at the 10th Meeting of Community Leaders, São Paulo, Brazil.

This exclusive meeting focused on social investment projects and investment trends aimed to the role of private companies. The objective is to articulate the main decision-makers in Brazil in those social actions undertaken by large companies and in the promotion of the discussion around the strategies for sustainable socio-environmental development.

“Medellín is an inspiration for Pelotas. We too are working for a social recovery and the improvement of the urban security ” Paula Mascarenhas, mayor of Pelotas (municipality in the state of Rio Grande do Sur, Brazil)

Paula Mascarenhas , alcaldesa de Pelotas

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Medellín will receive the Ninth Citizen Security Week

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Between November 27 and December 1, the Ninth Citizen Security Week will be held in Colombia. The event will be in Bogota and Medellín

The event is organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Vice Presidency of the Republic of Colombia and supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (COSUDE)

The Citizen Security Week is the largest regional event on citizen security and justice in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its objective is to enable a dialogue and the creation of an exchange platform for program directors, experts, academics and civil society in general interested in issues of prevention and control of violence and crime.

This edition of the event will discuss the challenges faced by the states in the generation of legitimacy and confidence in the implementation of public policies on citizen security.

To this effect, it will be divided in two main components; the first is the Regional Policy Dialogue, which will be held in Bogotá from November 27 to 28. This is a closed-door meeting in which ministers and senior officials from across the region will discuss the challenges and progress made in citizen security and justice policies.

The second component is the Coexistence and Citizen Security Clinic, an activity that will take place in Medellín between November 30 and December 1. It is a space open to the public (previous registration), to exchange technical and specialized knowledge on the subject. The event will conclude with a series of field visits to innovative solutions. These visits require direct invitation from the organization of the event.

Download the event agenda in Medellín here »

Follow the Coexistence and Citizen Security Clinic at  livestream »

more info. here»

Photography: Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá

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ACI Medellín meets with foreign investors to generate development and new opportunities

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On November 16, 2017, ACI Medellín and the economy newspaper La Republica, held a meeting with representatives of foreign companies based in Medellín and Antioquia to identify opportunities for collaborative work. In this event, investors were presented with an analysis of the investment climate and the reinvestment opportunities offered by the territory.

The meeting took place in the new Marriott Hotel Medellín and was attended by more than 40 delegates from renowned companies such as POMA Colombia, UPS, Algar Tech, Globant, Schindler Andino Colombia, Mitsubishi, Incolmotos Yamaha, Velocity Partners, Tigo – Une, among others.

In this regard, the executive director of ACI Medellín, Sergio Escobar, commented: ” this event is a great opportunity to learn about the experience of investors in Medellín and the region; to understand the challenges they face in order to achieve better results in the productivity of their businesses and thus, we will be able to provide the support they need to achieve their goals.”

In addition, the participants learned about foresight and future of municipal and departmental projects. In the case of Medellín, the municipality’s finance secretary, Orlando Uribe, spoke about the administrative structure of the public conglomerate and the investment in the strategic projects of “Medellín cuenta con vos” by 2018.

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In the case of the Government of Antioquia, the secretary of productivity and competitiveness, Federico Guerra Hoyos, invited attendees to think of Medellín as an important leverage for the entire region, taking into account the great challenge of generating development throughout it: “It is time to think as a region, not only as a city, tourism will be Antioquia’s new source of income and represents a great opportunity for growth and attraction of investment. The new ports and the 4G highways will biring Medellín closer to the sea, which will allow us to have new horizons. “

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Cityexpress opens a new hotel in Medellín

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The mayor of Medellin, Federico Gutiérrez Zuluaga, attended this event as a special guest and expressed his satisfaction about the arrival of this important hotel chain in the city, whose construction generated 200 jobs and today employs 25 people for its operation.

The arrival of this company is a result of the joint work between Procolombia, the Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area, ACI Medellín and entrepreneurs of the sector. ACI Medellín supported the Hotel’s relationship with local actors and, also, provide them with legal advice.

“Medellín has a high occupancy of national and international visitors, City Express is on the Milla de Oro sector (Golden Mile) of El Poblado Avenue which is one of the main hotel areas of the city. Our goal is to differentiate ourselves from the competition with new infrastructure and service “ commented Luis Barrios, CEO of City Express Hotels.

In Medellín, the value proposal of the hotel is focused on service, connectivity, the promotion of a healthy life and in activities in the surroundings, to occupy the free time of travelers.

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Metrocable Picacho

Poma Colombia will build Picacho’s Metrocable in Medellín

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The construction of the new Metrocable line in Medellín was awarded to the temporary union UT Metrocable Line P, formed by Poma Colombia, the company responsible for designing and executing this project in the northwestern area of Medellín. The execution period will be 18 months.

The mayor of Medellín, Federico Gutiérrez, announced the Municipality will invest $ 258,000 million in this major infrastructure project.

In 2004, ACI Medellín supported POMA in their decision to settle in the city. This will be the sixth Metrocable they build in the city due to their vast experience in the construction of cable transport systems for people and materials.

Benefits of Picacho’s Metrocable

Picacho’s Metrocable or Line P will benefit the people of the neighborhoods Castilla and Doce de Octubre, located in the northwestern area of Medellín.

The system will be 2,800 meters long and will have four stations. It will start in Acevedo station, which will be expanded to become a multimodal station; the second station will be built in the facilities of SENA Pedregal; the third station will be built next to the Gabriel García Márquez library, in the Doce de Octubre and the last one will be next to the peripheral Immediate Reaction Police Station (CAI) located in the neighborhood El Progreso N ° 2.

The Metrocable will represent savings of time and money for users, and the possibility of enjoying the 30,000 meters of public space around the stations.

In this way, Medellín’s mobility system gets improved, providing quality of life to its inhabitants, which is one of the reasons why the city is referred as one of the most innovative in the world.

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Fort Lauderdale proclaims November 21 as Medellín Day

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United States ―  Fort Lauderdale has proclaimed November 21 as Medellín Day. The city honors Medellín on the 56th anniversary of their agreement of friendship and cultural, economic, social and political exchange.

Among the exchange activities, both cities have signed a memorandum of understanding between the Florida Atlantic University and the National University of Colombia, Medellín headquarters; also, there has been several cooperation activities between the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department and the Administrative Department of Disaster Risk Management ― DGRED ― to improve the attention and rescue on disaster situations.

Recently, the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department assisted DGRED in the development of activities to improve its emergency response practices; and in October of this year, a delegation from the Medellín Fire Department made a technical visit to its counterpart in Florida.

In addition, an educational agreement focused on design and social sciences activities was signed between the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees (FAU) and the National University of Colombia (UN) Medellín, to expand their relations of academic cooperation.

The good relations between Medellín and Fort Lauderdale have allowed the improvement of their air connectivity due to the arrival of US airlines Spirit and Jet Blue to the capital of Antioquia, which have direct flights between both cities.

The twinning agreement

In 1961, Fort Lauderdale issued the resolution 8244 in which Medellin is declared its Sister City. For this reason, the former mayor of Medellín J. Jaime Nicholls (1981-1982), presented the keys of the city to the then mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Virginia Young, extolling the exchange of experiences and the good relationship between both cities.

“This recognition is special for Medellín because it shows the consolidation of relationship that has been growing over the years. The dynamics of this twinning have allowed us to exchange best practices and to develop very positive activities with Fort Lauderdale. I am very about the celebration of Medellín’s day in Fort Lauderdale! I hope there are many more exchange and learning opportunities to come” said the Director of ACI Medellín, Sergio Escobar.

Testimony of the mayor of Medellín

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Minas Gerais seeks investment opportunities in Medellín

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A delegation from Minas Gerais (Brazil), visited Medellín to strengthen international cooperation and to promote trade, business, investments and partnerships in the energy, biotechnology, medical equipment and STI sectors.

The Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín – ACI Medellín, prepared a work agenda for the Brazilian investors. In the early hours of November 14, the director of Procolombia Medellín, Santiago Viera and the executive director of ACI Medellín, Sergio Escobar, presented the advances in economic development and investment opportunities of Colombia, Antioquia and Medellín. This meeting was held in the Electric Interconnection Company – ISA, and hosted by the president of the company, Bernando Vargas Gibsone.

Presentation of investment opportunities in Medellín by Sergio Escobar, Director of ACI Medellín

Subsequently, some businessmen and members of the Government of Minas Gerais visited Ruta N ―Medellín’s Innovation and Business District― to learn about business opportunities in science and technology. It became an opportunity for Minas Gerais and Medellín to sign an understanding and collaboration agreement to work hand in hand on innovation projects in both cities.

The signing of the agreement between Medellín and Minas Gerais. From left to right: Paulina Villa and Alejandro Franco from Ruta N; Olavo Machado (President of FIEMG) Cristiane Serpa (President Director of INDI)

 

Whilst several businessmen of the Brazilian delegation attended a business conference with Colombian executives of the mining sector at the Intercontinental Hotel, the Governor of Minas Gerais, Eduardo Pimentel, held a protocol meeting with the mayor of Medellín, Federico Gutiérrez Zuluaga, to strengthen relationships and generate synergies of joint work.

Likewise, Governor Pimentel met with his counterpart from Antioquia, Luis Pérez Gutiérrez, to share a cooperation proposal that seeks the production of wines by planting vineyards on coffee grounds.

Testimonios

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Changes in Medellín

a Radio Télévision Suisse Special

 

Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS), a Swiss public broadcasting organisation in the Italian language, has dedicated a special show to Medellín to highlight the progress the city has made in matters of security and social inclusion.

The journalist Emiliano Guanella visited Medellín in August of this year to understand how the city has transformed, mainly in relation to mobility, social inclusion and security. Hand in hand with ACI Medellín ―entity that prepared a large agenda of meetings and interviews with officials of the Secretariat of Security for the journalist― the he had the opportunity to approach initiatives such as the mass transport system, Metro de Medellín and the San Javier Library Park. In these spaces, he interviewed representatives of the Recreando Corporation and the group of Mujeres Caminando por la Verdad.

After his visit, Guanella highlighted the renaissance of Medellín after living a past marked by violence. Also, the journalist highlighted the efforts of the Ministry of Security of Medellín to reduce the homicide rate and restore citizen trust.

On the other hand, he considers the mass transport system as one of the key elements for Medellín’s transformation, since it offers citizens the possibility of moving from one place to another using different means of transport: Metro (train), Metrocable (cable cars), Tram, Metroplús (BRT system), integrated buses and public bicycles. In the same way, he said that the Public Library System provides culture and spaces of quality to its inhabitants, driving them away from violence.

ACI Medellín is the entity in charge of supporting international journalists who visit the city interested in several topics. The work of these professionals allows the world to know firsthand the progress, programs and strategies of the city’s Administration. They support our goal of improving the image of the city abroad through the publication of contents that reflect its resilience and innovation.

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CNN International highlights the Public Libraries System of Medellín

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The Public Libraries System of Medellín is one of the innovative stories chosen by CNN International in Hong Kong for the realization of a 30-minute special in which they explore the future of metropolitan growth in different cities of the world.

This 30-minute special shows the avant-garde projects to face the problems of large and modern cities. Cities such as Detroit, Seoul and Beijing are mentioned in the documentary and Medellín was chosen due to its transformation and social inclusion.

CNN traveled through several countries to learn more about the challenges presented by the accelerated expansion of cities, their vision and the development of innovative solutions to address them.

It was the process of resilience of the city plus the accompaniment and investment of the municipal administration, which allowed Medellín to undergo a process of social transformation, an example of best practice for the world. The articulation of different actors and the development of projects such as Metrocables (cable cars), the tramway and a commitment for inclusive educational processes, made Medellín to be recognized as a creative and innovative city.

During their visit, the production staff of the international news network visited several projects such as the Public Libraries System, the San Javier and San Cristóbal Library Parks and the Book and Culture Festival, considered one of the most important in Latin America. These projects are part of the Undersecretariat of Libraries, Reading and Heritage of the Secretariat of Culture,

The special will be broadcast on CNN International and CNN in Spanish during the next weeks.

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Miembros de la OEA en Medellín

Delegates and representatives of the OAS witnessed Medellín’s social transformation

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Medellín ― Last November 2 and 3, the Fifth Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities on Science and Technology of the Americas took place in the Botanical Garden, whose main objective is to promote initiatives to contribute to the transformation of the social environment of the countries of the Organization of American States (OAS).

The Deputy Secretary General of this organization, Mr. Néstor Méndez, highlighted the progress of Medellín in the implementation of innovative policies to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. “Medellín is an emblematic city. It has been a leader in the application of science, technology and innovation to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants, improving areas such as urban transport, economy and social development. It’s a city we can learn from.”

This working day ended with a tour of transformation in the Comuna 13 led by ACI Medellín. The delegates from 34countries and representatives of the OAS witnessed the social and cultural transformation the city has been through and the positive impact of the escalators in the development of this area.

Miembros de la OEA en Medellín
The tour started in the Metro of Medellín from the Botanical Garden to the Comuna 13.
Miembros de la OEA en Medellín
The construction of the escalators allowed the development of commercial premises and family enterprises.
Community leaders shared experiences with members of the OAS

 

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Medellín and Mexico City join forces to explore investment in the capital of Antioquia

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On October 27 in Mexico City, the Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area, ACI Medellín, closed its cycle of business meetings Why Medellín? 2017. Thus, strengthening commercial relations with three key countries for investment in the city: United States, Spain and Mexico.

The Colombian Embassy in Mexico supported this meeting and more than 20 representatives of Mexican companies attended the event

This last meeting was both, an opportunity to promote Medellín as a destination for foreign investment and a space to strengthen those historical, cultural and industrial links that have existed between Colombia and Mexico.

Representatives from various economic sectors in Mexico were told about the incentives and tax advantages of Medellín, as well as the transformation process the city has been through. They understood that Medellín is not only one of the most innovative in the world, but also one of the most competitive in the region.

Additionally, two meetings were held with members of the Network of people from Antioquia living abroad Sos Paisa, in Guadalajara and Mexico City. These meetings were attended by more than 40 residents in these cities.

“Mexico is a country with a large budget destined for international investment. Therefore, it is essential for Medellín to be in the minds of mexican entrepreneurs, o they recognize our strengths, characteristics and investment niches. Our goal is to bring investors to the city, thus generating employment and innovating the local industry,” said Sergio Escobar, Director of ACI Medellín.

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Medellín aims to become a “walkable” city

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Between October 27 and 28, 2017, Medellín will host the First Latin American Pedestrian Forum “working towards walkable cities.” The capital of Antioquia was choosen by the members of the Latin American Pedestrian Network to be the venue for the event due to its progress in non-motorized mobility and its great potential to continue working for sustainable and human mobility.

Master conferences with experts on walkability, sustainable mobility and city will create a space for learning and empowerment to local, regional and national actors who are in charge of studying human mobility and creating public policies around this issue. The purpose is to make Medellín a road reference in the Urban Agenda 2027.

“The figures in pedestrian accidents make this type of space relevant. The idea is to give importance to pedestrians and continue the process of adapting the public space to provide quality of life to citizens who walk in Medellín, making it a walkable space,” said Martha Giraldo, director of the event.

More Info »

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Por qué Medellín en Ciudad de México

Medellín and Mexico City to strengthen ties of economic investment

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The event Why Medellín? and the Network Sos Paisa arrive in Mexico.

The Foreign Ministry of Colombia, through the Embassy of Colombia in Mexico, supported the events of the network of people from Antioquia living abroad in Guadalajara and Mexico City.

ACI Medellín will present the transformation and investment opportunities offered by the city to a group of Mexican entrepreneurs during the event called Why Medellín?  To be held on Friday, October 27 at 8:30 am in the Feria BC room of the Presidente Intencontinental Polanco Hotel, Mexico City.

Medellín’s diverse productive structure is divided in clusters: textile, energy, ICT’s, health, construction, clothing, design and fashion, and aerospace. They represent 31.4% of the region’s GDP, 31% of the manufacturing base, 33.6% of the manufacturing added value, 36% of the industrial exports and 59% of the amount of companies created each year.

In addition, the city is committed to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and considers it a focus of development for the expansion of foreign companies. This makes it a reference not only for Colombia but also for Latin America.

Besides Why Medellín? two other meetings of the network of people from Antioquia, Paisas, living abroad -Sos Paisa- will take place. The first will be at the Consulate of Colombia in the city of Guadalajara on October 25 at 6 pm; and the second one, at the Embassy of Colombia in Mexico City on October 26 at 5:00 p.m. During those meetings, Paisas living in Mexico will learn more about this program and how it allows them to keep in touch with their hometown and contribute to the development of Medellín and the region.

“Mexico is a country with great opportunities and our cultural proximity opens the doors to make very interesting negotiations for our city. I am very aware of its entrepreneurial skills and I am sure this meeting will be very productive. It will also be an opportunity to express our solidarity and support to Mexico in this difficult moment they are facing after the earthquake,” said Sergio Escobar, CEO of ACI Medellín.

 

 

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Embajador de Colombia en España

Medellín shows its business strengths to Spanish investors

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Madrid ― this Wednesday, October 18, the Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area, ACI Medellín, ProColombia and the Ambassador of Colombia to Spain hosted the business meeting “Why Medellín?”.

More than 20 businessmen attended the event “Why Medellín?”organized by ACI Medellín in Madrid and the Colombian ambassador to Spain, Alberto Furmanski Goldstein, was part of the welcoming committee.

Business representatives and journalists from Spain learned about the investment opportunities offered by the city. The Colombian ambassador to Spain, Alberto Furmanski Goldstein, addressed the possibilities of investment offered by the country in the post-conflict process.

Konecta’s corporate CEO for Latin America, Alejandra García, talked about her organization’s experience after they decided to settle in Medellín. In addition, she highlighted the possibilities in the territory and the accompaniment they have received from ACI Medellín.

The event was also attended by Ignacio Velo, director of Programs and International Projects of ONCE, a Spanish foundation that serves people with disabilities which will arrive in Medellín, generating around 100 jobs for the hotel sector.

Por qué Medellín en Madrid

María Alejandra Saleme, assistant of the director of ACI Medellín states: “The response in Madrid was very positive. The event was not only attended by entrepreneurs interested in investing in the city but also by representatives of organizations already settled in Medellín. This highlights Medellín’s installed capacity and allows the exchange of experiences and best practices.”

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ACI Medellín was the star in the Start Up Week, Austin

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Texas― last Thursday October 12, the Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area, ACI Medellín, joined ProColombia and Capital Factory to organize and participate in the panel “Options for Expanding into Latin America” within the Start Up Week in Austin.

Around 50 entrepreneurs attended the event Why Medellín? amongst which are included: Fred Schmidt, Director of International Affairs in Capital Factory; Alejandro Suárez, board member of TX-MX; and Matthew Fiedler, co-founder and CTO of re: 3D printer company from Texas.

The event brought together innovation entrepreneurs from the United States and ACI Medellín showed them the advantages and strengths Medellín has to offer as an option to expand their business in Latin America. Also, journalists interested in knowing the strengths of the city participated in the event.

Paola Caballero, Senior Professional of ACI Medellín said: “Being present in one of the most important events in the United States is an opportunity to show American entrepreneurs not only the process of social transformation the city has been through, but also the advantages and legal, economic and human talent conditions Medellín has and that make it an ideal place to settle their companies.”

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Industrias Creativas de Argentina 2017

Medellín in the Market for Creative Industries of Argentina 2017

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Medellín participated in the recent version of the Market for Creative Industries of Argentina, MICA, held in the Cultural Center of Science (C3) in Buenos Aires. From October 6 to 8, this event brought together governments and entrepreneurs from different countries to hold discussions about industries such as the performing arts, audiovisual, design, publishing, music and video games.

MICA (in Spanish) allows entrepreneurs of creative industries to access new business opportunities and expand their sales.

For three days, the city was represented by the Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area, ACI Medellín. This space allowed them to learn about the best practices of the cultural sector and its creative economy.

During the event, 4,000 sectorial business conferences, presentations and workshops were attended by 1,500 entrepreneurs.

This was MICA’s fourth version, the ideal space to learn from creative business and to discuss about the cultural undertakings of the participating countries and other governmental bodies from Argentina.

“In this event we have a two-way exercise in which we get close and cooperate with Argentina. We will show them our experience on urban equipment for culture and our knowledge about their creative industries,” said Diego Vélez, Senior Professional of ACI Medellín.

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Medellín Stands out in the Cities Conference for its Transformation

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Medellín participated at the Cities Conference on Wednesday, October 4, at the ECLAC headquarters in Santiago, Chile. The objective was to create a discussion around the relevance of the implementation mechanisms for sustainable urban development, public – private cooperation and urban mobility.

The meeting seeks to implement the New Urban Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean for inclusive, secure, resilient and sustainable cities.

In Panel 5, Sergio Escobar – Executive Director of ACI Medellín – made a presentation entitled: How to finance the implementation of the Regional Action Plan? and another in Session 1: The Challenge of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities. In both spaces, he talked about the experience of Medellín, its transformation process; public-private alliances; the strategy of internationalization and its plan to achieving the goals of sustainable development by the year 2030.

“The participation in these spaces in which cities are the core for the management of development projects is essential for Medellín. All the works to improve the quality of life of citizens and the attention to the challenges of each territory, begin in the cities. In my opinion, the city is the ideal dialogue space to start working towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030,” said Sergio Escobar, Executive Director of ACI Medellín.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is the United Nations body responsible for promoting the economic and social development of the region.

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jornada técnica tecnologías urbanas

Medellín and Spain Will Share Their Vision on Urban Technologies

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On October 18, 2017, the Spanish association AMEC URBIS will hold the Technical Conference on Urban Technologies in Plaza Mayor (Medellín).

Sustainable mobility, intelligent traffic systems, intelligent management of waste and public space will be addressed on the conference.

ACI Medellín joins this initiative to support the articulation of the private and public sector for the generation of urban development in different areas of the city-region.

A large group of Colombian and Spanish experts in the areas of mobility, public space and waste management will meet at the Technical Conference on Urban Technologies to discuss the challenges faced by cities in these dimensions.

The event will be held in the Press Room of the Convention Center this next Wednesday, October 18, 2017 in Plaza Mayor, Medellín from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is organized by AMEC URBIS ―Spanish Association that brings together the companies that offer sustainable solutions for smart cities― and is supported by the Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in Colombia, Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá, Medellín Mayor’s Office and local public entities such as ACI Medellín, EDU, APP , EMVARIAS and the Colombian Chamber of Infrastructures.

Attendees will learn about “the technological solutions the sector has to offer to Medellín and its Metropolitan Area to face the challenges of mobility, solid waste management and public space. The Colombian and Spanish perspectives will be complemented by brief presentations from both institutions as well as Spanish and Colombian companies,” said Diego Guri, director of AMEC URBIS.

The event is free and requires prior online registration .

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Investment Opportunities Offered by Medellín and the Region will be Presented in Madrid – ACI Medellín

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On Tuesday, October 18, Madrid will host ACI Medellín’s event called Why Medellín? Supported by ProColombia and its commercial office in Madrid, the event will be held in the Villahermosa room of the Intercontinental Hotel between 9:00 am and 11:00 am.

Spanish entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to hear directly from ACI Medellín and Procolombia, the investment opportunities offered by Medellín.

The Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area – ACI Medellín, throughout its 15 years of work has become a key player in the internationalization process of the city. In this space, the agency will present the strategies and components that make Medellín an attractive destination for business and foreign investment to Spanish investors and entrepreneurs.

Due to its high economic performance and productive structure, Medellín is one of the most important cities in Latin America in terms of investment. It contributes 7.3% to the country’s GDP, and stands out for its strong inter-institutional relations between academia, the business sector and government.

Mr. Alejandro Mateo, Information Development Director of the Spanish software company Konecta, states: “the high technical level of the engineers of Medellín and the decisive support of the Mayor in the processes of innovation are the reasons why we settled our company in the city since June 2016.”

“In ACI Medellín, we are constantly working to make international investors aware of the possibilities offered by the city and consider it as a key destination for their business. The events Why Medellín? are a fundamental strategy in positioning the city in the international economic environment,” says Sergio Escobar, Director of ACI Medellín.

If you are in Madrid, register [ here ] to participate in the event and see why Medellín is an attractive economic environment for the development of your business.

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Medellín will show US Entrepreneurs its Investment Opportunities

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On Thursday, October 12 between noon and 1:30 pm, the Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area – ACI Medellín, will be at the StartUp Week 2017 in Austin, Texas. In the Wall E Room of Capital Factory, officers of the agency will talk about the best practices and investment opportunities of Medellín.

Austin, Texas, welcomes thousands of entrepreneurs in the southern United States.

ACI Medellín and ProColombia have set a meeting called ” Options for Expanding into Latin America,” to be attended by Fred Fred Schmidt, Director of International Affairs of Capital Factory; Paola Andrea Caballeros Rosas, Senior Professional of ACI Medellín; Alejandro Suarez, lawyer and entrepreneur from Austin, board member of TX / MX -a business organization that helps companies expand their operations in both directions across the Texas-Mexico border; and Matthew Fiedler, co-founder / CTO of Re: 3D -a printer company launched through Startup Chile.

First, US entrepreneurs and businessmen will learn about the expansion opportunities of the Latin American market, and then, they will be able to do a networking session and enjoy Colombian gastronomy during lunch.


Capital Factory

Texas is the State with the highest startups rates in the United States. More than 100,000 entrepreneurs, programmers and designers hold face-to-face or virtual meetings, attend to classes and work together toward strenghtening new ideas and projects that benefit the city and the rest of the United States.

Capital Factory knows the best entrepreneurs in Texas and brings them together with investors, employees, mentors and clients.

Austin StartUp Week

For five days, the “StartUp Week” will bring together the most innovative enterprises in the world. In this event, various activities of free access will show visitors from all around the world the advantages offered by the capital of Texas. Learn more [ Here ]

Click [ here ] to register  »

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Medellín asume el reto de ser una ciudad más incluyente y equitativa

Medellín Joined UNESCO’s Global Learning Network

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Medellín joined UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities, thanks to an articulated strategy which places education as an axis to achieve great social transformations. This membership, awarded for the first time to a Colombian city, will allow us to share our knowledge with other capitals of the world and to promote public strategies for development.

During the Third International Conference of the Cities of Learning, held in Cork, Ireland, Mayor Federico Gutierrez Zuluaga highlighted Medellín’s plan by 2030 which has been kept regardless the changes in government. “This plan was developed with universities and the private sector to reduce inequality.”

Being part of this network, reinforces the city’s commitment to fulfill the Sustainable Development Objectives adopted by the UN through actions that, in 70%, depend directly on the Development Plan. One of the most important is to guarantee children and adolescents’ access to education.

“By providing our children and young people with education, we are also giving them the ability to dream, to think that they can get as high as they want,” he said, explaining that education helps reduce hunger, poverty, gender gaps and generates economic progress.

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UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities highlighted the importance of programs such as Buen Comienzo, which currently serves 74,042 children between 0 and 5 years old. Likewise, they praised the initiative “We Count on You at School,” which has identified 1,600 children who have deserted the education system and helped them to return.

“I have toured around neighborhoods and streets so that our children and young people do not stop studying. We did a door-to-door job and we will continue to do it,” said the Mayor.

In terms of higher education, the mayor of Medellín highlighted the delivery, through Sapiencia, of 2,842 scholarships and credits for training of young people in relevant programs, to facilitate access to the labor world.

Source: Mayor of Medellín (September 18)

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Histórica visita del Papa Francisco a Medellín

Pope Francis’ Historical Mass in Medellín

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Medellín experienced an historic event this Saturday, September 9, when more than one million people from various parts of the city, the country and the world gathered at Olaya Herrera Airport to listen to Pope Francis during the Holy Mass.

Before the ceremony, Pope Francis apologized by his delay arriving to the city due to climate conditions during the morning that forced him to move by land and not by helicopter as it was planned.

“I would like to thank you for having waited for me for long hours in the rain,” said Pope Francisco, before starting the ceremony.

In his sermon, he said that the Church is going through a time of renewal which should not generate fear, it renews itself in faith. He added that this renewal is a sacrifice: “The Church is not a customs office, it wants to welcome everybody.”

3,500 ministers of communion, 3,500 young volunteers and about 2,500 priests attended this mass; and over 600,000 communion breads were delivered.

The choir Cantante Domino Cánticum Novum and Selection of Ministers of the Liturgical Singing Archdiocese of Medellín, integrated by 300 people, set the mood during the Eucharist.

Se instalaron 20 sagrarios, cada uno con 150 copones atendidos por los servidores de la Sagrada Comunión. 6,240 people among deacons, candidates for the permanent diaconate and extraordinary ministers of the parishes belonging to the Archdiocese of Medellin and the surrounding dioceses, were involved in this ceremony. They were in charge of delivering the communion bread to the attendees and were supported by 3,000 young people from the Youth Ministry.

The Mayor of Medellín had a special location for about 100 inmates, a delegation of 100 people with hearing disabilities accompanied by 10 sign language interpreters and 300 people with different health problems.

At the end of the ceremony, the Archbishop of Medellin, Ricardo Tobón Restrepo, gave Pope Francisco a replica of the Virgin of Candelaria, and said: “This is a show of our appreciation and gratitude, an image of Our Lady of Candelaria, the benevolent mother who has accompanied the Church since its beginnings in the Valley of Aburra. “

Symbols
The image of the Virgin of Candelaria, patroness of the Archdiocese of Medellin, accompanied the Holy Mass. This image has been venerated for centuries in the Church of Candelaria, located in Berrío Park. It was painted in Spain and donated by Queen Regent Mariana of Austria and her son Charles II.

Another important symbol was the Christ placed on the stage, donated by the Government of Antioquia, and will be part of a new parish which will be built honoring the visit of Pope Francis to Medellín.

After the mass at the Olaya Herrera, the Holy Father went to the Conciliar Seminary of Medellín to take a break. Later, he held a meeting with seminarians and trainers.

Source: Mayor of Medellín

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Fiesta del Libro en Medellín

Brazil Invited to the Book and Culture Fest in Medellín

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The eleventh Book and Culture Fest of Medellín opens its doors to the world at the Botanic Garden until Sunday, this September 17. People will enjoy the best literature of this year’s special guest, Brazil.

More than 34,000 national and foreign expected visitors will have the opportunity to see why culture in Medellín continues to position itself in the international arena as one of the most important aspects of the city. Culture generates a transformative capacity, appropriation of urbanized spaces and social opportunities in the city.

Fiesta del Libro en Medellín

The Book Fest is free and will involve all citizens in different activities such as concerts, book launches, exhibitions and talks.

Brazil, the first country invited to the Book Fest in Medellín, will have an important exhibition of Brazilian culture, cuisine, music and literature; and it will be supported by Brazilian artists and government representatives.

“It is a great privilege for Brazil to be the first country invited to the Book Fest. We consider this an act of friendship. Also, it is a happy coincidence this year’s theme is “identities,” since it gives us the opportunity to share the great cultural wealth of our country. Once again, this will be an opportunity to thank Medellín,” said Julio Glinternick, Brazilian Ambassador to Colombia.

Fiesta del Libro en Medellín

“The presence of Brazil sets a very important precedent in this event’s history because they bring a library with 8,000 volumes, a city has never had this quantity of books in a Book Fest. On the other hand, Brazil is a very rich country in children’s and youth literature; two Brazilian winners of the Hans Christian Andersen Prize, considered the Nobel Prize for children’s literature, will be present at the event: Roger Mello and Ana María Machado. In addition, Brazil will have an important artistic representation with 8 large-format groups. “The Brazilian gastronomy, can be enjoyed in the Patio de las Azaleas with the program “Cooking with Words”, said Diego Aristizábal, Director of the Book Fest.

“A country like Brazil enriches The Book Fest with its music, literature, writers, food. It opens a great opportunity for the people of Medellin to know and reach to this great country. We do not always have the opportunity to have such wide variety and so close. I hope many citizens have the opportunity to know and enjoy it, “ said Sergio Escobar, Director of ACI Medellín.

 

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Medellín will Host SAHIC’s in 2018

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Medellín will host the most important event on investment in tourism and hotel industry in Latin America, SAHIC 2018. This is a wonderful opportunity for the development of this industry, not only in the city but also in Colombia, allowing locals and foreigners to explore new businesses, build relations and increase the development of the sector.

The previous versions of the event have summoned the bests in the hotel and tourism service in one place, allowing the participation of more than 300 executives and presidents of the principal hotel chains around the world.

“I am happy for this announcement. I thank SAHIC for having chosen Medellin as the host for next year edition! It will be a great opportunity for the hotel industry and local and national tourism, to access spaces and make relationships that allow them to understand the new dynamics of the market and make connections with key players for a better and faster development of tourism and hotels in Colombia,” said Sergio Escobar, Director of ACI Medellín.

In the video: Arturo García Rosa, President and Founder of “South American Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference” SAHIC, makes the official announcement of the event in Medellín.

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Invierta en Medellín

Brazilian Entrepreneurs are Interested in Investing in Medellín

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The Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area, ACI Medellín arrived in Belo Horizonte, Sao Paulo and Florianopolis to discuss investment with Brazilian businessmen.

A meeting was held in each city, attracting approximately 100 entrepreneurs interested in investing in Medellín.

On August 22, 23 and 24, ACI Medellín held 3 meetings called: “Why Medellín?” in Belo Horizonte, Sao Paulo and Florianopolis. Brazilian entrepreneurs were told the reasons why Medellín is an attractive destination for investment.

These meetings, supported by Procolombia and its commercial office in Sao Paulo, were attended by various trade associations in Brazil and Brazilian entrepreneurs representing the manufacturing, metal-mechanic, technology, infrastructure and services sectors who were interested in expanding their businesses in Medellín.

Also, on August 23 and supported by the Consulate of Colombia in Sao Paulo, a meeting with members of the Network Sos Paisa living in this city was held. During this meeting, the characteristics of the program and how people from Antioquia living abroad can participate in the development of the city and the region were presented.

“These events of ACI Medellín denominated ‘Why Medellín?’ are a new way to approach the meaning of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area as investment destinations” said Executive Director of ACI Medellín, Sergio Escobar.

Why Medellín in Florianopolis.
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Sinopsis and memories of the Medellín lab

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From May 29 to June 2, 2017, the city held the first Medellín Lab, whose main objective is to share the Security and Coexistence Local Management Model of Medellín. The Model and its transversal axes were first approached by knowing, visiting and interacting with the institutions, programs, structures and groups that are directly involved on it.

The exercise offered a comprehensive approach to the city in relation to Medellín’s Security and Coexistence Public Policy. The principal objective of visiting these programs and projects is to demonstrate how each of them is coherently articulated and makes part of the Model. Therefore, to carry out the Medellín Lab linked to the Model, ACI Medellín identified structures and programs in representative locations of the city where security and coexistence issues have been relevant. The contact with local key players was essential on this process.

During this experience, participants had the opportunity to learn about Medellín’s obstacles and success stories in terms of security and coexistence; they could share their own experiences and generate two-way exchanges, as well as valuable learning and engagements.

This exercise was organized by the World Bank, USAID, the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities Network, the Mayor of Medellín and ACI Medellín. The event was attended by representatives of the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Saint Lucia, Guyana, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Uruguay and Colombia.

The following is a brief chronological summary of the activities, reflections, discussions, lessons learned and experiences lived during the 5 days of Medellín Lab.

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Click on the image to download »

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Papa en Medellín

From Medellín, Pope Francis will Send a Message to the World

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The visit of Pope Francis is part of a tour around four cities in Colombia – Bogotá, Villavicencio, Cartagena and Medellín, which will take place between September 6 and 10.

This is the third time a Pope steps on Colombian soil. The first was Paul VI on 1968 and the second was John Paul II on 1986.

Thousands of believing Catholics from countries like Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Mexico, El Salvador and the United States are expected to arrive in the city.

It has been 31 years after the last time a Supreme Pontiff visited Medellín. The next time will be on Saturday, September 9 when Francisco – first Latin American Pope, arrives in the city.

The Pope will send a message of strength and transformation from a city that used to live in fear and violence but, today, has moved on from that violent past and is currently working to grow. The presence of Pope Francis in Medellín makes the world sees us as a growing and transforming city.

The Pope’s visit will leave an economic revenue of about 22 million dollars and a hotel occupancy of 90%. Also 3,500 international journalists are expected to cover this event internationally.

“Pope Francis’ visit to Medellín represents a step forward in the city’s internationalization. No doubt, thousands of visitors from all over the world will arrive in Medellín to see him, this is an opportunity for the inhabitants show how beautiful this city is; how hard workers and kind are they.” Said Sergio Escobar, CEO ACI Medellín.

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Krzysztof Penderecki visita Medellín

Master Krzysztof Penderecki Visits Medellín

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The renowned Polish classical composer and orchestra conductor Krzysztof Penderecki will visit Medellín for the first time to offer a concert along with the Philharmonic Orchestra this Friday, September 8 at 8 pm in the Metropolitan Theatre.

The Polish master is the most important living composer in the actual world. He has been awarded with recognitions such as the Grand Prix of Art by the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia (1966); the Prize of Italy and the Gold Medal of Sibelius (1967); UNESCO-International Music Council Music Prize (1993); Cannes Prize to the “Live Composer of the Year” (2000) and the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts 2001, among others.

The experience and worldwide recognition of the Polish musician make his presence a recognition to the talent of the musicians of the city and enrich the cultural offer of Medellín. Thus, allowing to create new opportunities for international exchange in the city.

His visit, is part of his South-American tour and is an important cultural reference for the internationalization of Medellín and Antioquia, in a time when thousands of visitors are arriving in the city due to the visit of Pope Francisco.

He will lead a discussion the same day of the concert at 7:00 pm. After that, Master Penderecki will perform F. Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 and his Symphony No. 2, entitled Christmas.

“The presence of Krysztof Penderecki in Medellín makes the world more interested in the talent, creativity and artistic capacity of our city. The fact that this important composer is eager to lead a great concert and contribute his knowledge to the musical development of Medellín is a true honor” said Sergio Escobar, Director of ACI Medellín.

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