‘Urban development and public space: culture as a driver for cities’

Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean share a common history and culture. Cities in the two regions now offer major challenges and opportunities for the development of our societies. The question of urban development in the 21st Century is now a joint concern. It is about the alliance of not only economic development, social cohesion and sustainability, but also of culture as a seed for the cities of tomorrow.

This June, the 8th Summit between the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean will be held in Brussels.  On that occasion BOZAR, More Europe and the EU-LAC Foundation jointly organize a debate on “Culture as a driver for cities”. The discussion will follow a one-day expert roundtable with participants from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Panel debate with:
David Escobar Arango, who as Private Secretary for Mayor Fajardo in Medellín (2004-2007) played a primary role in the urban transformation in Medellín.
Riccardo A. Marini, Architect and Director of Gehl Architects with a deep knowledge of developing people-centred solutions;
Markus Appenzeller, Director & founding partner of MLA+, Architecture, Urbanism and related Thinking;
Elkin Velasquez, Director of the Regional Office for the Caribbean and Latin America of UN Habitat;
Catherine Cullen, President of the Culture Commission, United Cities and Local Governments.

The debate will be moderated by Jordi Pascual (Agenda 21 for culture) in English and Spanish (with translation).

 With an introduction by Christian Leffler, Managing Director Americas, European External Action Service (tbc) and a conclusion by Ms. Daniela Chacón Arias, Vice-mayor of Quito, Ecuador. 

This event is a joint initiative of the Centre for Fine Arts Brussels and the EU-LAC Foundation. With the support of the European Commission (DG DEVCO), EUNIC and More Europe – external cultural relations.