Cali Somos Todos por el Mundo (Cali Somos Todos Around the World): A District Government campaign connecting Caleños abroad with the citys recovery
• At the invitation of the Colombian community on Long Island, New York will host the official launch of the campaign, which seeks to engage the Caleño diaspora in the city's recovery, reconstruction, and development processes following the August 10th earthquake.
• The launch is part of a schedule of meetings with consular representatives, academics, members of the Caleño diaspora, and strategic organizations, aimed at connecting capabilities, knowledge, and cooperation opportunities with Cali.
• Mayor Alejandro Eder invites Caleños living abroad to get involved by contributing donations, talent, knowledge, experience, and opportunities for cooperation.
Santiago de Cali, September 20, 2026
Starting this Sunday (September 26, 2020), the District Government of Santiago de Cali is reaching out to *Caleños* (residents of Cali) living abroad, inviting them to become allies in the city's recovery and reconstruction phase following the August 10th earthquake. Thus, "Cali Somos Todos por el Mundo" (Cali Somos Todos Around the World) was born a campaign aiming to connect the diaspora with the needs of the capital of the Valle region as it builds its future.
At the invitation of the Colombian community on Long Island, New York will host the campaign launch during the "Longislandton" event an initiative led by fellow Colombians to raise funds for those affected by the tragedy.
This Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Colombians can visit "La Espiguita Hall" to make a contribution or donation. The US$50 admission fee allows attendees to socialize with fellow Colombians, learn about the campaign, show their solidarity, and enjoy music and a meal. The event takes place at 1795 Brentwood Rd, Brentwood, NY 11717.
"Cali Somos Todos por el Mundo" seeks to create a network of *Caleño* collaborators abroad to share knowledge, connect businesses and universities, open doors, mobilize networks, facilitate cooperation, and make professional expertise available during this crucial moment of recovery for the city.
“We are joining forces with various organizations so that residents of Cali living abroad can help through their contributions revitalize a business, support the recovery of a school, or assist in rebuilding a home. We also want them to put their talent, experience, and expertise in various fields at the service of the city. There is much to be done, and today, more than ever, we need that support from Cali residents living abroad,” said Mayor Alejandro Eder regarding the campaign.
Participating organizations include the Minuto de Dios Foundation and Propacífico, which will serve as channels for receiving donations from Cali residents abroad who wish to join this cause.
Cali Opens New Doors for Cooperation
The launch will be accompanied by an engagement agenda involving consular representatives, the Cali diaspora, the academic sector, humanitarian and faith-based organizations, and other strategic stakeholders capable of contributing cooperation, knowledge, and capabilities to Cali’s recovery and reconstruction.
Meetings will be held in New York with Heart 9/11 and New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS), as well as with humanitarian organizations, the academic sector, and other entities involved in disaster response and recovery.
The strategy which will be unveiled during the international agenda the Mayor's Office of Santiago de Cali is carrying out from September 20 to 24 also includes a presentation in Washington, D.C. These meetings aim to expand Cali’s international network and explore opportunities for technical, financial, and in-kind cooperation.
“This initiative seeks to complement the efforts the city is undertaking following the earthquake, enabling progress toward a recovery that also incorporates specialized knowledge, partnerships, and new capabilities to help Cali move forward,” said Mabel Lara, Strategic Projects Manager for the District Mayor's Office of Santiago de Cali, who will lead the international engagement agenda.
Lina Ramírez, Head of the International Relations and Cooperation Office—who is also participating in the mission—explained that the ‘Cali Somos Todos por el Mundo’ (Cali Somos Todos Around the World) initiative was born with a long-term vision and currently has a very concrete purpose: connecting the capabilities, knowledge, and networks of Cali natives living abroad with the city's recovery and reconstruction. “We want to build a lasting relationship with our diaspora so that they remain connected to Cali’s priorities and development.”
Through this strategy, the District Government of Santiago de Cali strengthens the international engagement it has been pursuing since the earthquake and advances in building partnerships for the city's recovery, reconstruction, and resilience.
Communications Office
Mayor's Office of Santiago de Cali