LIPOR at the IURC Global Networking Event in Cali, Colombia

Within the framework of the IURC LAC (Latin America and the Caribbean) programme, LIPOR took part, from 14 to 17 April, in the IURC Global Networking Event held in the city of Cali, Colombia.

The IURC (International Urban and Regional Cooperation between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean) is a programme funded by the European Union that aims to promote cooperation between cities and regions on sustainable urban development and regional innovation.

LIPOR is part of the Community of Practice – Green and Just Transition (CoP). This working group brings together representatives from the following regions: Greater Porto (Portugal), Chihuahua (Mexico), Hunedoara (Romania) and Valle del Cauca (Colombia).

As co-leader of this CoP, LIPOR took part in and chaired the working sessions dedicated to organising the activities to be carried out by the Regions between May and October 2026. During these sessions, the project’s objectives and main activities were also presented to the other Regions.

Note should be made of the recognition given to the Work Plan defined by LIPOR, which was considered the Work Plan with the greatest potential for replicability in Latin America.

The event also included technical visits to the facilities of International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), focused on bioeconomy models, applied research, sustainable agriculture and climate resilience technologies, as well as a visit to the industrial facilities of Carvajal Empaques, where circular economy principles are embedded as a strategic pillar, with a focus on redesign, reduction, reuse and recycling of packaging and materials.

In 2026, LIPOR will act as host, welcoming delegations from all member regions of this CoP to its facilities for a technical week focused on themes such as the circular economy, sustainability, and the Regions’ green and just transition.