By Zoila Palma: Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner is in Bogotá, Colombia, where he joined more than 50 mayors and local government leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean for the opening of the IDB Mayors Forum 2026.
The regional forum, convened by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through its Cities Network, brings together local leaders to share practical solutions, strengthen municipal governance and explore ways to improve services and opportunities for residents.
Discussions focused on key challenges facing cities, including sustainable financing, stronger municipal institutions, disaster resilience, social inclusion and strategic infrastructure investment.
The forum was formally opened by President Abelardo de la Espriella, who highlighted the critical role of local leaders as public officials closest to the people and often the first to respond to community needs.
Mayor Wagner also joined Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán and other regional leaders for a field visit to Bogotá’s transformative Metro Line project, which represents an investment of approximately US$4.4 billion. The project showcased the importance of long-term planning, partnerships and public support in transforming urban transportation.
For Belize City, Wagner said the regional exchange is particularly relevant as the city looks to expand its own eRide Program. He noted that while cities across the region differ in size, many face similar challenges and can benefit from sharing experiences, building partnerships and accessing new financing and technical resources.
The post Mayor Wagner joins Regional leaders at IDB Mayors forum in Colombia appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner is in Bogotá, Colombia, where he joined more than 50 mayors and local government leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean for the opening of the IDB Mayors Forum 2026. The regional forum, convened by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through its Cities Network, brings together
The post Mayor Wagner joins Regional leaders at IDB Mayors forum in Colombia appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
