Medellin is one of the three world's most innovative cities

http://www.distintaslatitudes.net

Author: Camilo Betancur.
Translation: Sebastian Salazar.

From an initial group of 200 cities, Urban Land Institute chose Medellín as one of the three most innovative cities in the world.

The Medellin shares this recognition with Tel Aviv and New York.

To celebrate its bicentennial, Citigroup in company with the Wall Street Journal. is promoting voting for the city of the year globally.

Arguing the strengths with which our city counts to become an innovative city, Mayor Anibal Gaviria Correa reiterated its request to convert Medellin in trade zone for technology and innovation.

www.medellin.gov.co site is enabled to choose by vote the city of the year. The community can vote from any browser.

Medellin is proving to be a world leader in innovation, competitiveness and progress. Just a month ago, our city was nominated by the Urban Land Institute and the vote of thousands of people, as one of the 25 most innovative cities in the world. But today, according to official information from the institute, Medellin, Tel Aviv and New York will vie for the honor of being designated as the most innovative city in the world.

"This vote is already a significant event. I thank the thousands of people who voted and thus have allowed the world to visualize the progress of the city. I invite you to keep voting for Medellin as the city of the year, "said Medellin Mayor Aníbal Gaviria Correa.

For the nomination of Medellin were taken into account aspects such as:

• The operation of the Metro system that reduces CO2 emissions by 175,000 tons a year.
• The escalator of the Commune San Javier as a work of sustainability and improved quality of life.
• The company of public services of the city, "Empresas Públicas de Medellín", have helped support public community goals and objectives, such as improving education.
• Facilities and attractions such as Parks Library and cultural centers.
• Great advances in public transport, with the Metro Cable, Metroplus and bike sharing program among others.
• A substantial reduction in the crime rate.

Mayor Gaviria Correa acknowledged that this has been made possible by the previous municipal administrations, especially the last two, and all citizens and institutions "that must feel called to participate and continue building with their daily commitment the advance of the transformation of Medellin".

Regarding this nomination of the city, Mayor Aníbal Gaviria said: "It is a great honor for the city and for previous administrations that have built the new elements in the urban and the topic of mobility, while continuing to innovate in an environment of difficulties. "

The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit organization leading global responsible use of land and environmental sustainability of communities worldwide.

To vote for Medellín as the most innovative city in the world access the city portal: www.medellin.gov.co