Cali looks to the world to build back better: Denmark joins the dialogue on the city\'s recovery.

• Cali presented Denmark with the main challenges regarding recovery following the August 10 earthquake, as well as the city's needs for rebuilding with greater safety and resilience.
• The circular economy, waste management, water, and emergency response technology were among the areas identified as opportunities for cooperation.
• The aim is to open up new possibilities for technical cooperation and prepare the agenda for a high-level visit that the Danish government plans to make in November.

Santiago de Cali, September 29, 2026

Cali’s recovery opens up new opportunities to leverage knowledge and international cooperation in addressing the challenges left by the August 10 earthquake, moving toward a more sustainable and resilient reconstruction.

To this end, the Cali Mayor's Office welcomed the Danish Ambassador to Colombia, Jens Godtfredsen, and his delegation on Tuesday (09. 29.2026) during a visit to the Unified Command Post for Reconstruction (PMUR), located at the El Pueblo Coliseum.

During the meeting, the District Administration led by Alejandro Eder presented an overview of the earthquake's primary impacts and the progress achieved during the response efforts regarding the emergency and the challenges Cali faces in this new phase.

The event was coordinated by the District Government Secretariat, headed by Fernando Grillo, and the Office of Relations and Cooperation, led by Lina Ramírez.

“This is a very important meeting because Cali has received support from many countries around the world and from multilateral organizations to address the earthquake's impact. We spoke with the ambassador about the consequences of the quake, how we have assisted those affected, and the challenges we face in the short, medium, and long term. We also identified concrete opportunities for cooperation in the circular economy, waste management, public servant training, and digital government,” explained Fernando Grillo.

Cooperation for recovery

During the dialogue with the Danish delegation, areas were identified where that country's expertise could contribute to Cali's priorities.

One of the topics was the circular economy and the utilization of construction and demolition waste (CDW) generated by the earthquake, exploring alternatives to reuse materials and move toward a more sustainable recovery.

Sustainable water management was also addressed, particularly regarding challenges associated with the El Niño phenomenon and the city's water security, including initiatives such as the Pichindé–Felidia reservoir project.

Another topic was the use of technology and data for emergency response. Cali seeks to strengthen the connectivity of its information systems to improve institutional coordination and reduce response times.

“This visit is part of the international action strategy that the mayor has developed since 2024, which continues to yield results for Cali. We hope that the dialogue with Denmark and their interest in supporting the city’s recovery and reconstruction process will translate into outcomes that benefit the community of Cali,” noted Lina Ramírez, Head of the Office of Relations and Cooperation for the Cali Mayor's Office.

Cali and Denmark already share a history of cooperation

As of 2025, the capital of Valle del Cauca has been part of Cities for Better Health, an initiative driven by Novo Nordisk to promote healthier environments and prevent chronic diseases.

This is complemented by “Más Talento Digital” (More Digital Talent), which focuses on strengthening training and job opportunities in the ICT sector, as well as training programs in Denmark for Cali’s public officials regarding water management, drinking water, and solid waste.

This track record opens up new possibilities for cooperation to address the city's current needs.

Efforts are also underway to lay the groundwork for including Cali’s recovery on the agenda of the high-level visit the Danish government plans to make this coming November.

“I am in Cali to show our solidarity with the city and all its people following the August earthquake. Today, I had the opportunity to participate in the PMUR [Unified Response and Recovery Post] and learn how the Mayor's Office and the entire city are working on reconstruction. It is truly impressive to see the work they have accomplished so far,” commented Jens Godtfredsen, Denmark’s Ambassador to Colombia.

"Cali somos todos" (Cali is all of us) as we strengthen international partnerships, aiming to pool knowledge and capabilities and move toward a city that is more sustainable, safe, and prepared for the future.

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Lina Marcela Lugo

Communications – District Government Secretariat