May 19, 2022
La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia holds several remarkable records on the global stage. It added yet another key record to this haul on May 19th, 2022, by becoming the pioneering city in Latin America and the Caribbean to be awarded the Silver Certificate of SDG Cities.
The award is in recognition of the efforts by the Autonomous Municipal Government of La Paz (GAMLP) for its voluntary commitment to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“As a national and Latin America city, we are the first city to receive the Silver Certification. This is not by chance, since there is a firm commitment, assumed by our management, to achieve a city in movement,” Ivan Arias Duran, Mayor of the Municipality of La Paz said while reaffirming his commitment.
UN-Habitat through the certification recognizes and highlights the deliberate efforts of the Mayor’s Office of La Paz to achieve the 2030 Agenda. While receiving the certificate with honor, the mayor further set his sights on achieving Gold Certification. “Likewise, we intend to achieve Gold Certification very soon, which would imply having a plan with a view to fully implementing the SDGs. Thank you for the award, thank you for the recognition that commits us to be better every day.”
Rafael Tuts, director of the Global Solutions Divisions at UN-Habitat did not forbear his words in showering praise on La Paz and promising continued commitment. “We recognize La Paz as the first Latin American city to join the emblematic and global initiative of SDG Cities. We will remain as always, committed to supporting you (Mayor) and the Municipality in this process. And we hope that many other cities in Bolivia and throughout the world will follow."