Colombia: COP16 summit and related meetings to take place in Cali Oct. 21-Nov. 1

Colombia will host the 16th United Nations (UN) Conference of Parties (COP16) and related meetings from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1 at the Valle del Pacifico Events Center, located in the municipality of Yumbo in Cali's metropolitan area. The conference will focus on coordinating international efforts to preserve biodiversity. Some 18,000 people, including leaders and delegations from over 190 nations, will likely attend the event.

Authorities have reportedly deployed around 11,000 police and military personnel to secure the event. Tight security measures are highly likely around the conference venue and other sites hosting official events through early November. Road closures and traffic delays are likely during delegates' arrival and departure. Attendees will probably also travel via Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (CLO). Increased security at CLO during the conference may lead to delays in clearing customs and security screenings.

Protests are likely in the lead-up to and during the conference, especially outside the main venue in Yumbo or government buildings in central Cali. Demonstrators may block and/or march along roadways, prompting localized transport and business disruptions. Security forces will probably monitor any demonstrations that materialize and may attempt to disperse disruptive gatherings. Demonstrations are likely to remain mostly peaceful; however, clashes between activists and police and acts of vandalism cannot be ruled out.