Interview with Carlos Fernando Galán, Mayor of Bogotá, City of Bogotá
Carlos Fernando Galán, Mayor of Bogotá delivered a keynote address on the critical work the city is doing to address the consequences of climate change and preserve nature World Biodiversity Summit in Cali.
“Cities are at the frontline of climate action, but Mayors cannot do it alone. The energy and nature-positive transitions have a place-based dimension, they require an urban transition that involves re-equipping infrastructure, transport systems, and the way we use land. And this is a job that can only be done through a whole-of-society approach. Two thirds of the world’s population are expected to live in cities by 2050, so let us prepare for that future accordingly.”
- Carlos Fernando Galán, Mayor of Bogotá
In this interview, Carlos Fernando Galán sheds light on Bogotá’s unique environmental challenges and achievements, its progress in sustainable development and resilience, and innovative strategies to tackle climate change and nature loss, emphasising cities’ critical role in shaping the global conversation on urban environmental solutions.
Watch his insightful interview below:
About Carlos Fernando Galán
Mayor Galán is a Colombian politician and former journalist, senator, and city councilor. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University as well as a Master's degree in Public Administration from New York University. He served as the Secretary of Transparency for the Presidency of Colombia; was elected Senator in 2014 and championed legislative debates on land use and territorial planning. In 2023, he ran for Mayor of Bogota and achieved the highest voter turnout in the history of the city. His government program ‘Bogota walks safely’ reflects a collaborative and sensible style of participatory policy design, contains ambitious goals in security, sustainable development and public infrastructure.