Latest News

COP16 Biodiversity Summit opens in Cali with focus on “Peace with Nature”

By Richard Emblin - October 21, 2024

Colombia has officially opened the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, welcoming delegates from nearly 200 countries. The summit, running from October 20 to November 1, centers on the theme “Peace with Nature” and addresses critical issues such as biodiversity protection, climate action, and economic sustainability.

Colombia recognizes Indigenous Peoples as Environmental Authorities ahead of COP16

By The City Paper Staff - October 16, 2024

President Gustavo Petro signed a decree granting indigenous communities environmental authority over their territories. The move comes as Colombia prepares for COP16, highlighting indigenous roles in biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management

Armored ‘Gladiators’ reach Cali to protect COP16 Biodiversity Summit

By The City Paper Staff - October 11, 2024

The city of Cali in southwestern Colombia is strengthening security for the COP16 biodiversity summit with the arrival of “Gladiator” armored vehicles, over 4,000 police officers, 1,700 soldiers, and special forces to protect 13,000 attendees of the global event.

FARC dissidents of “Iván Mordisco” announce ceasefire in Cali for COP16 Summit

By The City Paper Staff - October 10, 2024

The FARC dissidents under alias “Iván Mordisco” have declared a temporary ceasefire in Cali ahead of the COP16 biodiversity summit. The ceasefire, announced on social media, will take effect from October 11 to November 6, though the group has reserved its right to self-defense.

From “Barrio” to Stage: 25-Years of Bogotá’s iconic Salsa al Parque

By The City Paper Staff - October 4, 2024

Bogotá will once again be transformed into a vibrant barrio of salsa, a place where history, rhythm, and community converge in a celebration of sound and movement with the 25th anniversar edition of Salsa Al Parque.

Indigenous blockade on Colombia’s Pan-American highway turns violent

By The City Paper Staff - August 21, 2024

An explosive device has killed one person and injured another during indigenous protests blocking the Colombia’s Pan-American Highway in the department of Cauca, escalating tensions with the Petro government.

Harry and Meghan begin four-day tour of “extremely dangerous” Colombia

By Richard Emblin - August 14, 2024

Harry and Meghan are set for their four-day tour of Colombia to promote social justice, cultural heritage, and child welfare, following an invitation from Vice-President Francia Márquez.

COP16 presents biodiversity agenda that connects “Colombia with the world”

By The City Paper Staff - July 24, 2024

Colombia’s COP16 summit will feature the largest Green Zone in history, with over 1,152 academic events and 280 cultural activities aimed at promoting global biodiversity protection. The summit will run in Cali from October 21 to November 1, with participation from 145 international delegations.

Security ramped up in Cali as COP16 agenda to be released

By The City Paper Staff - July 22, 2024

olombia is intensifying security measures ahead of the UN Biodiversity Summit COP16 in Cali, following threats from FARC dissidents, with the summit’s delayed agenda to be unveiled on July 23.

Cali’s iconic Pan de Bono takes top honors as World’s Best Bread

By The City Paper Staff - May 16, 2024

Cali’s Pan de Bono has been crowned as the World’s Best Bread, according to the Taste Atlas rankings, and elevating an iconic dough of Colombia’s culinary excellence to global audiences.

Ancestral dance at the heart of Cali’s Loma de la Cruz

By Gaia Neiman - January 23, 2024

In the heart of Cali, a dance workshop led by Jaguar, a local Yanakuna tribesman, defies urban challenges, uniting diverse communities in a vibrant celebration of forgotten roots and ancestral traditions.

Colombia rejects Petro in territorial elections turned plebiscite

By Richard Emblin - October 30, 2023

Bogotá voters gave centrist candidate Carlos Fernando Galán a decisive victory at the ballot. President Petro lost support and political allies in five major cities.

The six-day Petronio Álvarez Festival celebrated Pacific foods, and traditions such as braid-making. Photo: Gaia Neiman

Cali’s Petronio Álvarez empowers Afro heritage and peacemakers

By Gaia Neiman - August 24, 2023

The tapestry of Cali’s Petronio Álvarez Festival, where music and Afro-Colombian pride intertwine in a celebration of culture, reached edition 27 this month, and a tribute to victims of violence.

San Antonio’s charm in Cali: Bridging the past and present

By Gaia Neiman - August 14, 2023

The historic neighborhood of Cali’s San Antonio holds a rich tapestry of heritage and transformation. As tourism and international investment are being embraced by residents, the barrio navigates a delicate balance between preservation and change.

Briton arrested at Cali airport with suitcase filled with cocaine

By The City Paper Staff - March 4, 2023

As British citizen has been arrested in Cali, Colombia, for attempting to smuggle 23 kilos of cocaine on a flight to Bogotá and connection to London’s Heathrow.

The sugar cane industry employs migrant workers known as 'corteros'.

Among the sugarcane cutters of Valle del Cauca

By The City Paper Staff - October 23, 2022

The sugar mills of Valle del Cauca employ up to 12,000 cane cutters. The work inspired photographer Sergio Bartelsman.