As part of the IKI EcoAdvance project, regional meetings were held in various cities across Colombia during 2024 to strengthen sustainable public procurement and promote the integration of environmental and social criteria in acquisition processes.
In Medellín, the workshop “Sustainable Public Procurement: An Opportunity to Innovate and Generate Responsible Actions for the Territory”, organized by Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, GIZ, and the Medellín City Hall, raised awareness among participants about the importance of sustainability in public procurement, combining theory with practical experiences from both the public and private sectors.
In Córdoba, workshops led by the regional government and partner organizations set a milestone by incorporating a gender approach into public procurement, fostering the participation of women and vulnerable groups in these processes.
In Manizales, the event developed in collaboration with Corpocaldas focused on the challenges and opportunities of sustainable public procurement, addressing the regulatory framework, the use of eco-labels, and the need to improve information systems and transparency. Key recommendations included segmenting contracts to strengthen the local economy, developing specific guidelines, and gradually implementing sustainability criteria. These experiences highlight the commitment of different regions in the country to transforming public procurement into a driver of sustainability and equity.
