Introduction

The fifth session of the Regional Conference on Population and Development in Latin America and the  Caribbean will be held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, on 3 and 4 July 2024, following a day of side  events and civil society activities on 2 July.  

This document is intended to provide delegations with useful information to facilitate their work at  the meeting. 

The meeting coordinators will be available to answer any questions concerning logistical or  organizational matters, before or during the event.

I.  General information on Cartagena

Cartagena de Indias is the capital of the Bolívar department and was founded on 1 June 1533 by Pedro de  Heredia. Located on the Caribbean Sea, the city was declared a tourism and cultural district in 1991.

Since its founding in the sixteenth century and throughout the colonial era, Cartagena de Indias was  one of the most important ports in the Americas. Most of the city's artistic and cultural heritage dates from  this period. Cartagena declared its independence from Spain on 11 November 1811. This date is a national  holiday in Colombia and the city's independence celebrations, the “Fiestas de Independencia”, last four days.

The city has long been associated with the history of pirates. During the colonial era, it was  repeatedly attacked by pirates from Europe, as its location made it vulnerable to raids. As a result, it became  the most heavily defended city in South America and the Caribbean; in fact, it was almost as fortified as the  whole Gulf of Mexico at the time. Its colonial architecture is now being preserved. 

Over time, Cartagena de Indias has developed its urban areas by preserving the historic centre and  has become one of the most important ports of Colombia, the Caribbean and the world, as well as a famous  tourist destination. Today, the city has a total population of 971,700 inhabitants, making it the country's fifth  most populous municipality. Its historic centre, the walled city, was declared National Heritage of Colombia  in 1959 and a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization  (UNESCO) in 1984. In 2007, its military architecture was chosen by the public as the fourth wonder of  Colombia.

Language

The official language is Spanish. Many Colombians also speak English.

Climate

Cartagena de Indias has a humid tropical climate and an average annual temperature of 29ºC. Relative  humidity in the city is 90% and the rainy season typically lasts from April or May to October or November.  Although the city tends to have high temperatures year-round, a sea breeze makes for pleasant weather,  with temperatures in the city ranging from 30ºC to 33ºC. The weather forecast for the days of the event can  be accessed through the following link: https://www.accuweather.com/es/co/cartagena/107563/april-weather/107563.

Datos útiles

2. Meeting venue

The fifth session of the Regional Conference on Population and Development in Latin America and the  Caribbean will be held at the Cartagena de Indias Convention Center, with an opening ceremony on 3  July at 9.30 a.m

    Cartagena de Indias Convention Center
    Address:     Calle 24 Number 8ª-344
                         Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias
    Tel.:              (+57) 5654 4000
    web:            https://cccartagena.com/

3. Meeting coordination

The meeting is being organized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC):

4. Hotel reservations

The ECLAC Conference Services Unit has reserved a block of rooms at special rates at the some hotels. See attachment for more info

5. Requirements for entering Colombia

• The list of nationalities exempt from visa requirements and those requiring a visa is available in the  visa section of the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia:  https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visa.
• Travellers who are part of an official delegation and require a visa to enter Colombia may apply for the  VISA V CORTESÍA CONVENIOS INTERNACIONALES.
• Applications are online only, via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visa). When filling out the form, applicants must  select the consulate that corresponds to their country of origin or permanent residence.  .
• Applications sent by email will not be processed. 

• Non-nationals must provide the following with the online application:  
  - One recent colour photo measuring 4 cm x 3 cm, taken in full-face view without accessories,  against a white background, in JPG format not exceeding 300 KB. 
  - Biographical data page of your passport, valid for six months beyond your intended stay. 
  - Signed letter of invitation or accreditation from the Conference organizers. 

• Any visa-related queries may be sent to the following email addresses: laura.soto@cancilleria.gov.co and nattaly.calonje@cancilleria.gov.co.  

• Please consult the visa guide on the application page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.  

Visitors entering the country must bring a valid passport, as well as the conference registration form  and hotel reservation for review by airport immigration and security officials.
Customs officials may randomly select visitors to provide proof of their financial solvency during the  length of their stay in Colombia. 

6. Local transport

For transportation from the Rafael Núñez Airport to your hotel, visitors are advised to use official taxi services  at the airport. The cost of this transport is approximately 20,000 Colombian pesos (US$ 5). 
Should you need a taxi, it is recommended that you use the taxis waiting outside hotels, which  charge reasonable rates. 
A specialized transport service for persons with disabilities and older persons is available at the  following link: Transporte Especial - Fadis Colombia.  

7. Online registration and participant accreditation

Online registration for participants will be available from 27 May to 28 June 2024 on the meeting  website: https://crpd.cepal.org/5/en.

After registration, participants will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. Once the registration request  has been approved, participants will receive a “confirmation of acceptance” email, which must be presented  along with an identification document when picking up credentials. 

Online registration of government representatives does not exempt delegations from the formal  requirement to provide official notification indicating the names of the head of delegation and of all  accompanying members. 

Credentials can be collected at the Cartagena de Indias Convention Center (located at Calle 24  Number 8ª-344, Getsemani, Cartagena) on 2 July from 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.,  and on 3 July from 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Credentials must be picked up in person, upon presentation of an  identification document. Badges must remain visible during the meeting. For security reasons, participants  will be required to wear their badges in order to attend meetings. 

8.  Internet services

The offices and conference rooms set aside for the meeting will have wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi).