ACI Medellin received an outstanding delegation of German university rectors, convened by the German Consulate in Medellin and the German Embassy in Colombia, on a day that strengthens the city’s position as an international educational center. This strategic meeting strengthens academic relations between Colombia and Germany, enhancing opportunities for scientific and academic cooperation.
Academic and scientific cooperation: priority on the bilateral agenda
The agenda developed during the visit focused on strengthening academic and scientific cooperation relations between German and Medellin institutions. The German rectors, members of the prestigious German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), held meetings with representatives of local universities, governmental entities and actors of the innovation ecosystem of the city.
During the meetings strategic issues were addressed such as:
- Academic mobility for students and teachers
- Joint research programs
- Scientific diplomacy
- Strengthening of the business-university-state triad
- Knowledge and technology transfer
Medellin as an international educational destination
This visit reinforces the positioning of Medellín as an educational destination of international relevance. “Receiving the rectors of German universities represents an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our academic and scientific capacities,” highlighted Miguel Betancur, director of cooperation at ICA Medellín. “We are convinced that these exchanges will generate new opportunities for our students, teachers and researchers.”
The presence of the German delegation in the city also evidences the international interest in Medellín’s educational and innovation model, which has been recognized globally for its focus on social transformation through knowledge.
Key actors united for education
The success of this event was possible thanks to the articulation of key actors of the education and innovation ecosystem. The German Embassy in Colombia highlighted in its official X account (formerly Twitter) the importance of these meetings:
#Medellín. Movilidad académica, diplomacia científica y triada empresa-universidad-Estado: temas de cooperación 🇨🇴🇩🇪 en reuniones de Conferencia de Rectores Alemanes @HRK_aktuell con actores del sector. #G8 @acimedellin @Ruta_N @cta_co @CIB_medellin @ascunoficial @metrodemedellin pic.twitter.com/bN3R0mC3iV
— Alemania en Colombia (@EmbAlemaniaCOL) March 19, 2025
The participation of entities such as Ruta N, SIU (Sede de Investigación Universitaria) CTA (Centro de Ciencia y Tecnología de Antioquia), CIB (Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas), ASCUN (Asociación Colombiana de Universidades) and Metro de Medellín demonstrates the inter-institutional commitment to strengthening higher education and research in the city.
Next steps: From visit to action.
As a result of this meeting, it is expected that academic and scientific cooperation agreements that will benefit both territories will be formalized.
ACI Medellin will continue to work as a key articulator in these processes, facilitating the connection between German institutions and local initiatives.