Medellín is the second-largest city in Colombia and the capital of the department of Antioquia. It is located in the Aburrá Valley, a central region of the Andes Mountains. Medellín is home to over 30 universities and a leading technology centre. In 2016, Medellín won the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. The award seeks to recognise and celebrate efforts in furthering innovation in urban solutions and sustainable urban development.
One project that is tackling challenges such as suburban sprawl, erosion and food insecurity is “Medellín’s El Cinturon Verde Metropolitano” or Metropolitan Greenbelt. The Greenbelt will be approximately 75 kilometers long, with plans to include: community gardens, recreational spaces, hiking trails and improved housing. The project is being built in four phases and aims for completion by 2030.
In terms of transport, bus lines intersect the city, while a city-wide bike sharing system help locals get around Medellín.
The “Buen Comienzo” or “Good Start” programme offers expectant mothers’ medical information online at public areas that offer free Wi-Fi and computer access. The “Good Start” programme is one of many ICT projects that Medellín Digital works on.
Medellín is one of the most advanced cities in Colombia in regard to innovation and digitalisation. The city aims to continue on its path towards building a smarter and more sustainable city.
