Colombia’s second city Medellin was ranked as one of the top three most innovative cities in the world, and is in the running for the number one spot along with Tel Aviv and New York.
Out of 25 other cities including Hong Kong, Sao Paulo and Toronto, Medellin was placed among the top three most innovative cities just behind Tel Aviv in Israel and New York in the U.S. in a yearly contest run by the non-profit organization Urban Land Institute to award one city the title of “Most Innovative City of 2012.”
Medellin has been praised recently for decreasing its carbon dioxide emissions and reducing murder rates whilst improving communities and bringing in new social projects.
The mayor of the city Anibal Gaviria celebrated the achievement of Medellin through social networking by praising Colombia’s second largest city for being among the three most innovative cities in the world, and expressing his pride for the international recognition.
Medellín entre las 3 ciudades más innovadoras del mundo!! Orgullo inmenso, reconocimiento internacional!
— Aníbal Gaviria C. (@anibalgaviria) October 19, 2012
Gaviria also called on citizens to continue to vote for the city, and thanked those who have already done so, saying the challenge now is to become number one.
Medellin ciudad innovadora, gratitud a todos alrededor del mundo que votaron por nuestra ciudad, ahora el reto es ser la numero UNO
— Aníbal Gaviria C. (@anibalgaviria) October 19, 2012
The Urban Land Institute has recognized the developments in Medellin, categorizing it under “Progress & Potential” whilst praising its improved metro system that has massively reduced the CO2 emissions. The organization also recognized Medellin’s movement towards cultural and social improvements such as public libraries and cultural centers across the city.
Unlike prior rounds, the final will incorporate 100% public votes. If you want to vote you can do so at the Wall Street Journal online site.