Field notes from the Regional Networking Event in Cali | Day 3

The third and final day of the IURC LAC Regional Networking Event in Cali wrapped up with a closing plenary session that brought together representatives from cities and regions to reflect on the progress made and outline the next steps for consolidating this cooperation.

Reflections from the Communities of Practice

The session opened with reflections from the region-to-region coordinator, Silke Haarich, the city-to-city coordinator, Sandra Marin, and the Communities of Practice leaders. They highlighted the progress made over the past days, during which the Urban and Regional Cooperation Action Plans (UCAP & RCAP) continued to be enhanced, the planning of the Advanced Cooperation Missions took shape, and pilot actions began to be drafted. The discussions underscored the value of peer learning and knowledge exchange, as well as the importance of maintaining momentum beyond the event.

Strenghtening global connections & engaging with solutions and expertise

A second part was dedicated to exploring global IURC synergies. Led by Pablo Gándara, it explored the connections between the IURC LAC programme and other regions participating in IURC. It reinforced the programme’s global dimension, highlighting opportunities to scale knowledge, share experiences and strengthen relationships across different geographical contexts.

Oscar Prat, Business Expert of IURC, highlighted the importance of involving academia and the private sector as a way to support cities and regions in scaling up and implementing their pilot actions. Previous cases in which challenges were resolved through partnerships with the private sector were presented as a way to inspire the new generation of projects emerging within the IURC LAC context.

Looking ahead

The event concluded with a state-of-play presentation by the IURC coordination team, Raül Daussà and Mariona Pérez, in which they outlined the next steps of the programme, including the continuation of cooperation processes, the further development of the UCAPs and RCAPs, and the Advanced Cooperation Missions.

Lutz Köppen, Policy Officer for the European Commission Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), took the stage to address participants and highlighted the European Commission’s support for a programme that builds connections, creates concrete outcomes and demonstrates the real impact of cooperation between Europe and LAC.

Final words from the Alcaldía de Cali and the Gobernación del Valle del Cauca brought the event to a close. The IURC LAC Regional Networking Event in Cali leaves behind strengthened partnerships, shared knowledge and a clear roadmap for future collaboration. Connections built over these three days will continue to support cities and regions in their transition towards more sustainable, inclusive and resilient development.

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.