The urban development strategy led by Medellín’s current Mayor’s Office was highlighted by the global KPMG network, the World Economic Forum, and the Davos Baukultur Alliance in the article “A Master Plan for Livable Economies.” In it, the city is presented alongside Nairobi, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, and Manchester as an example of collaborative governance driving sustainable, people-centered urban transformations.
This recognition was announced in Davos during the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, which brings together the world’s leading government, business, and multilateral leaders, positioning Medellín as a global reference from Latin America in the conversation on livable, resilient, and competitive cities.
“This means recognizing an administration that works hand in hand with its citizens, co-creates with them, and makes decisions based on data and transparency. We celebrate this recognition, which makes us a benchmark for Latin America worldwide,” said Catalina Restrepo Carvajal, director of the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The article identifies three key factors explaining how Medellín has managed to sustain and deepen its progress as a collective city project:
The first is citizen co-creation, highlighting how the District Development Plan “Medellín Loves You 2024–2027” was built with the participation of residents, community leaders, universities, entrepreneurs, and public–private ecosystem stakeholders. This approach has made it possible to prioritize solutions with real territorial impact and strengthen a sense of shared responsibility between citizens and institutions.
Institutional continuity is the second factor, underscoring spaces such as the University–Business–State Committee, which are essential for maintaining ongoing dialogue across sectors and facilitating long-term agreements and actions. This continuity has enabled urban transformations to transcend political cycles and consolidate as citywide policies.
The third factor highlights transparency and open data. Through the MEData strategy, Medellín promotes free and transparent access to public information, strengthening evidence-based decision-making, reducing institutional friction, and building public trust.
This international recognition cements the capital of Antioquia as a benchmark urban laboratory and its administration as a leadership capable of translating collaboration, transparency, and innovation into tangible results.
The article “A Master Plan for Livable Economies” can be accessed here.
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