Field notes from the Regional Networking Event in Cali | Day 1

The IURC Latin America Regional Networking Event in Cali officially kicked off, bringing together cities and regions from across Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to advance their cooperation agendas.

On Tuesday 14th, representatives met at an informal welcome gathering and dinner hosted by the local authorities of the Alcaldía de Santiago de Cali and the Gobernación del Valle del Cauca. This opening moment created a space for CoP participants to reconnect in person after weeks of working remotely together, establish new contacts and set the foundations for the collaboration that will unfold over the coming days.

Setting the direction

The first day formally opened with an institutional session that highlighted the importance of international cooperation in tackling the shared challenges that regions and cities face. Participants were welcomed by Francia Obando, Environmental Secretary of the Regional Government of Valle del Cauca; Alejandro Eder, Mayor of Cali; and Joerg Schreiber, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Colombia and Head of the Political Section.

Afterwards, the IURC Coordination Team, led by Raül Daussà and Mariona Pérez, provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of play of the IURC Latin America programme, outlining key achievements to date and ongoing cooperation processes. Pablo Gándara also introduced the connections that IURC fosters with cities and regions participating in the Australasia branch of the programme.

Cross-pollination marketplace & Working session

A central moment of the day was the CoP Cross-Pollination Marketplace, and interactive poster exhibition designed to facilitate exchange across thematic areas. Each CoP presented the work submitted in their Urban or Regional Cooperation Actions Plans — including the objectives, ongoing activities, expected results and proposed pilot action. This format allowed direct interaction among participants, created exchange opportunities and potential gateways for collaboration.

The programme continued with parallel thematic working sessions where CoPs engaged in more in-depth discussions to advance the developments of the UCAPs and RCAPs, and prepare for the next steps which include the on-site Advanced Cooperation Missions that will take place during the following months.

The day also featured an interactive workshop about “News from the future”, where CoPs worked together to envision the future headlines they would like to see as an outcome of their work. The exercise encouraged creative and bold thinking and was a more relaxed moment of the day to even share some laughs.

Closing the day

The first day concluded with an institutional reception hosted by IURC. Regions and cities were welcomed by Dilian Francisca Toro, Governor of Valle del Cauca; Fernando Grillo, Secretary of Government of the Mayor’s Office of Cali; and Raül Daussà and Pablo Gándara, IURC coordinators.

About the IURC LAC Regional Networking Event in Cali

The IURC LAC Regional Networking Event in Cali brings together participating cities and regions to strengthen peer-to-peer cooperation within the programme’s thematic framework. Building on the IURC’s networking and matchmaking objectives, the event provides a structured space for institutional dialogue, thematic exchange and practical learning. The programme of the Regional Networking Event combines plenary sessions, parallel thematic discussions and on-site technical visits, offering participants first-hand insight into policy implementation and local initiatives in Cali and the Valle del Cauca region.