2018 Americas Summit colombia
October 1 - 6, 2018 | Bogotá, colombia
The Biennial of the Americas hosted the 2018 Americas Summit in Colombia, where a U.S. delegation led by Governor John Hickenlooper explored the country’s investments in entrepreneurship, advanced manufacturing, and urban innovation. Delegates met with President Iván Duque Márquez, Vice President Marta Lucía Ramírez, and civic leaders in Bogotá and Medellín, building new business and cultural connections while gaining insight into Colombia’s peace plan, economic growth, and resilient communities.
Thematic Priorities
Summit programming was centered around four key themes:
Entrepreneurship & Advanced Manufacturing
Exploring Colombia’s start-up ecosystem and advanced manufacturing sector as models for business expansion.
International Relations & Peacebuilding
Strengthening U.S.–Colombia ties through high-level dialogue with national leaders and insights into the peace process.
Urban Planning & Civic Innovation
Learning from Bogotá and Medellín’s approaches to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development.
Cultural & Economic Exchange
Building cross-border connections between business, civic, and cultural leaders to foster long-term collaboration.
Summit Highlights
Delegates participated in a robust program of meetings, site visits, and exchanges designed to highlight Colombia’s innovation and resilience. Highlights included:
High-level conversations with President Iván Duque Márquez and Vice President Marta Lucía Ramírez, who pledged to deepen U.S.–Colombia ties and support the Biennial’s future programming
Strategic dialogues on business growth with CEOs, including Mike Fries of Liberty Global, emphasizing Colombia as a hub for expansion in Latin America
Urban planning sessions in Bogotá and Medellín with mayors, civic leaders, and community organizations, providing transferable insights for Denver’s city planning
Exploration of Colombia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and advanced manufacturing sectors
Firsthand perspectives on the peace process and the resilience of Colombian communities
Strengthened cultural and civic relationships to inform the Biennial’s 2019 Festival in Denver
