The Andean Parliament, through a resolution, declared Santa Marta as an emblematic city and a reference point for the cultural, historical, tourist and natural heritage of the Andean region, within the framework of its 500 years of foundation.
Mayor Carlos Pinedo thanked the entity for the distinction received and also highlighted the work of Pablo Vera Salazar, rector of the University of Magdalena for his efforts to achieve this distinction.
The proposition that was endorsed recognizes Santa Marta taking into account its historical value, its cultural heritage, its environmental value, the preservation of indigenous communities, but above all its almost 500 years of history.
Furthermore, highlighting the contributions of citizens such as ‘El Pibe’ Valderrama and Radamel Falcao García, in the sports field; Carlos Vives, great reference and heritage of music; and Taliana Vargas Carrillo, former Miss Colombia, actress and worker for the causes of the boys and girls of the city.
In addition to the above, the contribution that the University of Magdalena has historically had and what the Alma Mater currently represents was taken into account, accredited as the first higher education institution in Latin America ‘Engaged University’, recognition granted by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Committed Universities, Aceuu.
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Following the declaration obtained for the capital of Magdalena, the rector Pablo Vera Salazar expressed his gratitude “to the Andean parliamentarians, to the president of the Second Commission, Sara Condori Callisaya; and to the general secretary, Dr. Eduardo Chiliquinga, for the trust that the University of Magdalena has in leading these integration processes.”
“Also to the mayor of the city and all the authorities, to each and every Samaria, because this declaration is added to the declarations that the Cathedral has already had, but that the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the indigenous communities also have, and will allow us to make the city more visible to formulate, obtain international cooperation resources and position Santa Marta in the Andean Region as what it deserves, as the Pearl of America, but also the Pearl of the Andean Region,” stated the Rector.
The declaration resolution will now be shared with UNESCO, the Ministries of Culture and Education of the Andean countries, the National Academies of History, the General Secretariats of the Andean Community, the Foreign Ministers of the Member Countries and the respective national institutions of the Member States of the Andean Parliament in charge of managing and protecting the heritage.
“Congratulations to Santa Marta, a city that we are building and rebuilding together, a city that adds more actions because everything we do counts for Santa Marta. A city that deserves all the sense of belonging of its citizens because it has given opportunities to all of us, to those who were born in it and to those who were not born in it, that has welcomed locals and foreigners and that always surprises us,” said Dr. Vera Salazar.
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“I am proud to receive the Resolution of the Andean Parliament that declares our beloved Santa Marta as an emblematic city and a reference for the cultural, historical, tourist and natural heritage of the Andean region, within the framework of its 500 years of foundation. My heart is full of joy and gratitude because we are working for a city worthy of celebrating its fifth centenary. Thank you to Unimagdalena and its rector, Pablo Vera Salazar, for having been the speaker of this project that today exalts the city. Recovering our surnames has been a commitment of my own and of the city. Together, we are doing it,” said Carlos Pinedo, mayor of Santa Marta on his X account.
