Latest News

Petro Accused of Democratic Rupture as He Vows to Bypass Colombia’s Congress

By Richard Emblin - June 4, 2025

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro shas parked outrage after vowing to bypass Congress and impose a referendum by decree, defying the Senate’s rejection. Critics call it a constitutional rupture and authoritarian overreach, accusing Petro of dismantling democratic checks to force through his agenda amid collapsing support and growing condemnation from civic society.

Artist of Earth and Time: Colombian artist Hugo Zapata dies at 80

By Richard Emblin - June 3, 2025

Hugo Zapata (1945–2025), renowned Colombian sculptor, passed away at 80 in El Retiro. Known for monumental black stone works evoking earth and ancestral memory, Zapata transformed Colombia’s public art landscape. His elemental forms bridged nature and spirit, leaving behind a legacy carved in stone and rooted in timeless reflection.

Petro “Loses the Street” as National Strike stalls with rising discontent

By Richard Emblin - June 1, 2025

President Petro’s failed national strike and empty plazas reveal his dwindling public support. As violent protests disrupt daily life, Colombians are turning away from his rhetoric, signaling that the President who once owned the streets has now lost them.

Jakarta, Indonesia: A Timeless City in Endless Motion

By Richard Emblin - May 30, 2025

Jakarta, Indonesia’s vibrant capital, blends colonial charm with modern energy. From the historic streets of Kota Tua and lively Fatahillah Square to rooftop bars, colorful batik markets, and diverse street food, the city pulses with culture and contrast. It’s a dynamic gateway to Indonesia’s past, present, and future.

What Indonesia’s Floating Solar Project can teach Colombia about a clean energy future

By Richard Emblin - May 26, 2025

The Cirata Reservoir project in Indonesia’s West Java offers a blueprint for Colombia’s renewable transition and regional cooperation with Southeast Asia. As the largest floating solar project in SouthEast Asia, Cirata is driving Indonesia toward a greener and sustainable future.

Petro wants to revive Bolívar’s dream of a 21st-Century Gran Colombia

By Richard Emblin - May 25, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro renewed calls to rebuild Gran Colombia as a 21st-century regional alliance. Speaking in Ecuador, he proposed integration with Venezuela and Panama, advocating for shared citizenship, digital infrastructure, and energy cooperation, while warning of rising authoritarianism and foreign interference in Latin America.

Violin Contest of Bogotá spotlights Colombian composition with Jury of virtuosos

By Richard Emblin - May 13, 2025

Bogotá launches its first International Violin Competition, offering generous prizes and star-studded global jury. Twenty finalists will compete this November, with free masterclasses and donated violins benefiting young Colombian talents. Deadline for entries: May 31.

Bogotá’s ARTBO Weekend returns with expansive city circuits and focus on Contemporary Art

By Richard Emblin - April 23, 2025

ARTBO Weekend returns to Bogotá from April 25–27 with 86 exhibition spaces, six city circuits, and over 150 free events, transforming the capital into a hub of contemporary art, design, and editorial innovation

Basque Ambassadors 2025: Eight Chefs redefine Euskadi’s culinary frontiers

By Richard Emblin - April 10, 2025

The Basque Ambassadors Awards 2025 tributed eight chefs who are more than culinary artists but also agents for social change. Through their dedication to tradition, innovation, and sustainability, they redefine the global gastronomic landscape, one dish at a time.

Respected Italian biologist Alessandro Coatti found dismembered near Santa Marta

By Richard Emblin - April 9, 2025

Italian molecular biologist Alessandro Coatti, 42, was found dismembered near Santa Marta, Colombia, after traveling through South America. A former senior officer at the UK’s Royal Society of Biology, his death is being investigated for possible links to illegal armed groups operating in the Sierra Nevada.

Bogotá in Top Three of Latin America for Foreign Direct Investment

By Richard Emblin - April 4, 2025

With 105 foreign investment projects in 2024, the Colombian capital stands out as a magnet for expansion in services, retail, and technology. Great connectivity for the business community, world-class cultural events and a highly-skilled workforce has secured Bogotá as a trusted destination for investors.

Over 1,200 indigenous protesters occupy Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolívar

By Richard Emblin - April 3, 2025

Some 1,200 Indigenous people from Colombia’s southwestern departments have gathered peacefully in Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolívar for a third consecutive day, calling for a meeting with President Gustavo Petro to discuss violence in their territories and the government’s unfulfilled commitments.

Carlos Lehder’s sudden return to Colombia revives legacy of Medellin Cartel

By Richard Emblin - March 31, 2025

Carlos Lehder, one of the founding leaders of the Medellín Cartel and a key figure in the history of cocaine trafficking, was arrested by Colombian authorities upon his arrival from Germany on Friday, March 28.

Colombia’s gas agenda at risk with US tariffs on Venezuelan energy imports

By Richard Emblin - March 25, 2025

The U.S. objective to impose secondary tariffs on all countries purchasing Venezuelan oil and gas has stalled President Petro’s plans for greater energy integration. Petro has urged Ecopetrol to explore Qatari gas imports amid rising domestic shortages and potential trade tensions with Washington.

SER: The Hat Couture of Medellín designer Andrea Agudelo

By Richard Emblin - March 24, 2025

Designer Andrea Agudelo launches SER, a hat couture brand blending fashion, art, and mindfulness. Her debut collection, Born from Light, features handcrafted headwear symbolizing identity and transformation. SER will expand globally through gallery installations and a bespoke atelier in Medellín.

Petro’s Civic Day rallies thousands, but Senate rejects contentious Labor Reform

By Richard Emblin - March 18, 2025

Thousands marched in Bogotá on Petro’s “Civic Day” to pressure Congress into passing his labor reform, but the Senate rejected the bill. Petro condemned lawmakers, warning of a referendum push as political tensions between his administration and Congress escalate.