This document contains the proposal of the Colombian Association of Engineering Schools (ACOFI) to hold the World Engineering Education Forum (WEEF) and the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC) meeting in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, from September 22 to 25, 2026.
Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, May, 2025
Contents
1. Academic approach
2. Cartagena de Indias
3. Support from industry, government
4. What other facilities does ACOFI offer?
5. Infrastructure for public relations
6. Promotion plan
7. Organizing Committee
8. Contact information
The Colombian Association of Engineering Schools (ACOFI) has, over its 50-year history, continuously worked to improve the quality of engineering education in Colombia with international reach. Currently, 131 higher education institutions are members of ACOFI, providing support for all its activities. ACOFI enjoys academic recognition as a solid and contributing association to the Colombian education system, as a leading institution promoting collaboration among engineering schools in Colombia, and as a benchmark for best practices in engineering education for the country. Projects such as the academic development of the Saber Pro state tests, participation in the Water and Sanitation Board as a representative of the educational community, the development of guidelines for primary and secondary education in Colombia to promote computational thinking in children and adolescents, leadership of the National Seismic Risk Model along with 17 universities, and support for national and international accreditation processes demonstrate ACOFI’s commitment to engineering faculties, schools, and programs.
At the international level, ACOFI has developed extensive collaborations dating back to the creation of the Ibero-American Association of Engineering Education Institutions (ASIBEI), of which it is a founding member and current president. ACOFI has supported IFEES in various initiatives and has collaborated with other academic organizations such as CONFEDI of Argentina, LACCEI, the National Institute of Technology of Mexico, ABET, with which it has worked on initiatives of common benefit, the Polytechnic University of Madrid, the Polytechnic University of Valencia, among others.
ACOFI has also made notable academic contributions through its publications, participation and support to government entities such as the Ministry of National Education, the Colombian Institute for the Evaluation of Education (ICFES), the National Accreditation Council, and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. These activities demonstrate ACOFI’s commitment to quality engineering education and its constant support for the work of engineering schools.
For the purposes of this proposal, in terms of events, the Association conducts academic activities throughout the country and annually holds the International Meeting on Engineering Education (EIEI ACOFI), formerly the National Meeting of Engineering Faculties. For 45 years, this meeting has brought together experts in engineering education to debate and reflect on the state of the art, trends, challenges, and opportunities in this area. Renowned engineering academics from Colombia and around the world, as well as representatives from the government and the productive sectors, have participated. At the national level, we have enjoyed the participation of ministers of state, congressmen, and business leaders. We have also enjoyed the presence of prominent engineering academics from Italy, the Netherlands, the United States, Ecuador, Chile, France, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, Malaysia, among many others, whose presentations, in addition to being discussed at the meetings, are published by ACOFI in text or video form, becoming a permanent reference source.
In addition to these meetings, ACOFI regularly organizes committees, assemblies, and serves as the Executive Secretary and President of the Ibero-American Association of Engineering Education Institutions (ASIBEI). Along these lines, we led the creation of the Cartagena Engineering Network (RCI), in which representatives from Europe, America, Asia, and Africa met in Cartagena de Indias to launch this cooperative initiative.
With the support of ACOFI, CDIO meetings have been held, bringing together more than 200 representatives to reflect on this proposal for engineering education. It is worth mentioning that in 2006, at its annual National Meeting, ACOFI debated the challenges of engineering training for the year 2020 and based on that work, it has addressed different topics as a contribution to that structure, which is reflected in 13 publications, seven with the work of more than 800 engineering professors and six with the main contributions of speakers, panelists, dialogue participants, and participants in the working groups of the National Meeting and the preparatory Regional Forums that comprise it as academic work of the year.
In 2013, ACOFI hosted WEEF 2013, welcoming over 800 participants in a highly successful event with the leadership of IFEES. We have also led several events such as GEDC Latin America meetings (2011 and 2016), PBL events in partnership with entities such as the Aalborg University, the symposium for assessment in engineering programs, in collaboration with ABET of the United States, the Latin American Engineering Conference in partnership with CONFEDI, and international academic missions on Colombian engineering education to France and Spain which include the visit of several engineering schools in these countries.
Since 2014, the Engineering Student Forum has held an annual meeting with undergraduate students, where they share various topics related to their students’ work. Among the achievements is that from May 4th to 10th, 24 Colombian students will be taking a course at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (Spain), as part of a project coordinated by ACOFI.
In addition to the academic component, the structural cornerstone of the Meeting, our organization has always planned social integration activities: technical visits, social gatherings, tours of historical sites, and tours of the host cities, among others, which create a balance between academic activities and the integration of all participants. Each year, more than 700 attendees of the EIEI ACOFI and participants in the forums and academic activities organized by ACOFI praise the high academic quality and excellent organization.
These elements, which reflect the experience of ACOFI, plus the support of its 131 member universities, the local and national government and the support of more than 40 companies and organizations are the best letter of introduction for the Colombian Association of Engineering Schools, a member of the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES), submit the proposal to host the WEEF and the GEDC, for the year 2026.
Julian Arellana
President ACOFI
1. Academic approach
Innovation and Sustainability in Engineering Education: Building Tomorrow
The WEEF / GEDC 2026 is an academic event designed to bring together leaders, educators, researchers, and engineering students from around the world. This congress will focus on how technological and pedagogical innovation is reshaping engineering education and the importance of ensuring sustainability and equity in this process.
The event will include a variety of activities, such as keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, practical workshops, and poster sessions. The key topics to be addressed are:
- Technological innovation in engineering education: exploration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality, and their impact on the teaching and learning of engineering.
- Sustainability in engineering education: strategies to integrate sustainability principles into engineering curricula and research projects, preparing students for future environmental challenges.
- Equity and inclusion: strategies to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, gender, or socioeconomic status, have access to quality engineering education.
- Pedagogical innovation: new teaching methodologies that promote active learning and student engagement in the educational process.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: encouraging cooperation between different disciplines to address complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
- Social responsibility: integrating principles of social responsibility into engineering programs to prepare students for future challenges.
The WEEF / GEDC 2026 will provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and professional development, allowing participants to explore the latest trends and best practices in engineering education. Additionally, it will offer opportunities to establish networks and collaborate on projects that promote sustainability and equity in engineering education.
The structure of WEEF / GEDC 2026 corresponds to that of an academic event, which will include keynotes, panels, workshops, and paper presentations. The general details are as follows:
Keynotes
- They are framed within the context of the title, each thematic axis, and the objectives. These elements are intended only to serve as a framework for the speaker’s free reflection.
- The conference will be followed by a panel, in which the conference proposals will be discussed.
- Five keynotes are proposed for this occasion: an inaugural keynote, which will outline the expectations of the Meeting and serve as a prelude to all the reflections; a central conference for two thematic focus, to discuss each topic in detail, for a total of three; and a final conference that will summarize the most important elements and offer a proactive approach to the challenges and actions we must take.
Panels
Its objective is to delve deeper into the concepts presented by the speaker, leading to recommendations for engineering faculties.
Workshops
Interactive and practical spaces about the thematic focus in which participants explore and apply new methodologies, technologies, and educational strategies. Through collaborative activities, attendees can develop specific skills, exchange ideas and experiences, and foster innovation in their educational practices. These sessions seek to foster active learning, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to the ongoing professional development of engineering educators and students.
Paper presentations
The general criteria for the submitted papers are to be aligned with the proposed thematic axes and address the issues raised in the call for papers and the objectives of the Forum. All papers will be included in the proceedings, but only those considered the best will be presented in 15-minute oral sessions or as posters, with permanent display during the Forum and in a special session scheduled for this purpose.
2. Cartagena de Indias
Known as the Heroic City, it is in the center of the Caribbean coast at the northeastern tip of Colombia. It is a large open-air colonial-style museum with bastions, plazas, and more than ten kilometers of walls and fortifications dating back to the 17th century that contrast with its beaches, business, port, political, academic, and industrial development, and most valuable: the great human warmth of its inhabitants.
It stands as Colombia’s premier tourist destination, widely recognized worldwide, which port, fortresses and group of monuments are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Each year, it receives numerous distinguished visitors and hosts events of broad reach and impact. Easily accessible by air, land, or sea, it is visited annually by thousands of tourists who find it the perfect place to relax or work.
Its historic center, known as «El Corralito de Piedra,» displays the Republican and Baroque architecture of a Spanish colonial-era town in its streets, houses, and balconies. Intact vestiges of sentry boxes, cannons, fortresses, bastions, and batteries are invaluable assets that make visitors’ stay a timeless experience. It is a magical, historic, and beautiful city where past, present, and future converge.
Historic sites such as San Felipe Castle, the Proclamation Palace, the Clock Tower, the walls, balconies, and colonial streets add to the natural beauty of the beaches of La Boquilla, Bocagrande, Castillo Grande, El Laguito, and the nearby Rosario and Barú Islands. Its entire landscape makes Cartagena de Indias a city of charm and magic.
This city, whose historical, cultural, business, and tourism wealth make it unique, is the perfect setting for WEEF 2026.
Tourist attractions in Cartagena de Indias
- Cartagena walls: 17th-century stone walls that stretch 11 km around Cartagena and offer sunset views.
- Cartagena’s historic center: the historic heart of the city, declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
- Plaza de Bolívar: an iconic public square surrounded by a historic cathedral, a museum, and government buildings.
- Plaza de Santa Teresa: a beautiful square in the center of the city.
- Plaza de Santo Domingo: busy square with bars and restaurants, street performers, vendors, and a Botero sculpture.
- The vaults of Santa Clara: former 18th-century dungeons, whose cells house shops that sell striking souvenirs.
- Clock tower monument: a monument dating from around 1800, above stone gates that features a clock tower.
- Cartagena de Indias: the city itself, with its charm and attractions.
Rafael Núñez International Airport
Cartagena de Indias International Airport is one of Colombia’s most important airports for tourism. It handles international flights from the Americas and Europe. An average of more than five million passengers pass through it annually.
The airport is located within the urban area of Cartagena de Indias, north of the city centre, in the Crespo neighborhood. Buses, minibuses, and taxis connect the airport with the various urban areas of Cartagena de Indias. The taxi service operates 24 hours a day, while the bus service operates from 6:50 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
There are car rental counters from the most renowned companies. The airport also offers ATMs, currency exchange, a VIP area, public telephones, free Wi-Fi, and other services.
More information: https://cartagenadeindias.travel/
Headquarters accommodation
Hotel Caribe
The Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand, a member Radisson Individuals is a luxury hotel with a rich history, being the first tourist hotel built in Cartagena de Indias. It is strategically located on Bocagrande Island, facing Cartagena Bay and near the Caribbean Sea. Its exact address is Carrera 1A #2-87, Bocagrande, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia.
The hotel is distinguished by its colonial-style architecture and features three towers: Colonial, Lagomar, and Laguito, which house a total of 363 rooms. Rooms offer amenities such as air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safe. Some rooms also feature balconies with views of the garden, the city, or the Caribbean Sea. Guests can choose from rooms with king, queen, or double beds, as well as larger suites.
Among its amenities, the Hotel Caribe offers:
- Pools: It has three outdoor pools, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the tropical climate. It also offers free pool loungers and umbrellas.
- Restaurants and Bars: Four restaurants serve buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner with international cuisine and regional specialities. There is also a poolside bar and other bars serving domestic and imported drinks.
- Wellness and Recreation: For relaxation and well-being, the hotel offers a sauna, hot tub, Turkish bath/ hammam, and a spa with a wide range of treatments. For the more active, there’s a well-equipped gym, billiards and ping-pong tables, and bicycle rentals. There’s also a mini-golf course and a games room.
- Family Services: This hotel is recommended for families, as it offers a semi-Olympic pool, a children’s pool, and outdoor playgrounds.
- Other Services: The hotel offers free Wifi, 24-hour room service, concierge service, laundry and dry-cleaning services, car rentals, currency exchange, and a business centre. It also features a tropical garden with animals such as peacocks and sloths.
Its privileged location allows easy access to several points of interest:
- It is located approximately 4 km from Cartagena’s historic center, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Bocagrande beach.
- Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is located approximately 7 km away.
- Nearby points of interest include Cartagena’s Gold Museum, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, and the Walled City.
In short, the Hotel Caribe in Cartagena is a high-end accommodation option that combines a rich history with modern amenities and an excellent beachfront location, ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
This hotel will be the central hub for activities. Other accommodation options include:
- Hotel Corales de Indias
- Hotel Dann Cartagena
- Hotel Hampton by Hilton
Cartagena de Indias also offers a wide range of accommodation options for different budgets.
Cartagena de Indias Convention Center
The Cartagena de Indias Convention Center (CCCI) is a modern and versatile venue strategically located in the heart of the historic center of the walled city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Its exact address is Calle 24 # 8A-344, Getsemaní.
This convention center stands out for being the only one in Colombia with Gold certification from the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), which underscores its commitment to operational excellence and quality of service. It also holds ISO 9001 quality certification from Bureau Veritas.
The CCCI offers a flexible and adaptable infrastructure for a wide range of events, from international congresses and conventions to trade fairs, exhibitions, concerts, and smaller social and business events. It features more than 30 venues spread over three levels, combining spacious, modern halls with outdoor terraces offering views of the historic city.
Its main spaces include:
- The Great Barahona Hall: With a capacity to accommodate up to 2.000 people in auditorium format, it is ideal for large events and keynote addresses.
- The Claustro de las Ánimas: A space with a historic and elegant atmosphere, perfect for gala dinners, cocktail parties, and exclusive social events with capacity for up to 700 people.
- The Esplanade of San Francisco: An open-air area overlooking the wall, suitable for fairs, exhibitions, and outdoor events.
- Various meeting rooms and smaller multifunctional rooms, adaptable to different configurations such as auditoriums, classrooms, U-shaped meeting rooms, roundtables, or cocktail receptions, with capacities ranging from small groups to several hundred people. Examples include the Arsenal Room with views of the walled city, and rooms 101, 102, 103, 201, 301, 302, and 303, each with specific features and capacities.
The CCCI offers a wide range of services to ensure the success of each event, including:
- Technological services: Audio equipment, digital microphones, simultaneous translation, voting systems, projection, LED screens, video conferencing, accreditation, and IT.
- Gastronomic Services: Banquet with a diverse culinary offering that includes banquets, coffee breaks, lunches, dinners, cocktails and business galas.
- Consulting and support: A team of professionals trained to provide support in the planning, organization, and execution of events.
- Other services: Wi-Fi connection, technical support staff, security and cleaning.
Its strategic location in the historic center provides easy access to a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, tourist attractions, and Cartagena’s vibrant cultural life. It is also relatively close to Rafael Núñez International Airport.
In conclusion, the Cartagena de Indias Convention Center is a world-class venue that combines a privileged location with a modern and versatile infrastructure, high-quality services, and a professional team dedicated to ensuring the success of events of any size. Its commitment to excellence and its rich history makes it an emblematic event venue in Latin America.
More information:
cccartagena.com/?lang=en
youtu.be/PRHg93xctwA?si=4_hhPE3klQ3b7aZA
City infrastructure
Public transport:
The public transportation system in Cartagena includes several modes:
- city’s Integrated Mass Transportation System (SITM). It operates with articulated buses, standard buses, and minibuses that run along a main trunk corridor (the renovated Pedro de Heredia with dedicated lanes) and pre-trunk and feeder routes.
- Taxis: They are a common option for getting around the city, especially outside the historic center and to areas like Bocagrande.
- On foot: The historic center and Getsemaní are very walkable areas, allowing you to explore their attractions with ease.
Hotels near the event venue
- GHL Arsenal Hotel Cartagena: 89 meters
- Hotel Monterrey: 174 meters
- Selina: 186 meters
- NH Cartagena Urban Hotel Royal: 290 meters
- The Clock Hostel and Suites: 300 meters
- Casa Carolina Hotel: 350 meters
- Hotel Dorado Plaza Historic Centre: 415 meters
3. Support from industry, government
ACOFI has strong relationships with engineering firms interested in education, as well as with government entities such as the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, the Colombian Geological Survey, the Colombian Institute for Educational Evaluation (ICFES), and professional engineering, topography, and geology councils.
Our allies include organizations such as FESTO, Electroequipos, Componentes Electrónicas, ICL Didactica and others. Based on the development of the WEEF, support will be formalised from companies such as Ecopetrol, EPM, ISA, and others that have supported ACOFI’s activities in recent years. Likewise, IFEES and GEDC will seek support from organizations interested in participating in this initiative.
4. What other facilities does ACOFI offer?
- More than 40 years of experience in events.
- Offer the country’s most important tourist city and event centre as a venue.
- Their national and international relations.
- Having collaborated with both IFEES and several member entities of this organization.
- A working group committed to the development of this event.
5. Infrastructure for public relations
ACOFI has a communications team that will support all public relations efforts. Five ACOFI member universities in Cartagena de Indias will support all proposed actions.
Likewise, once the WEEF/GEDC 2026 event is confirmed, the support of various national ministries and local authorities will be confirmed.
Likewise, negotiations will be made with multilateral organizations, with some of which ACOFI has relationships, such as the OAS and the OEI.
6. Promotion plan
With the confirmation of the venue, there will be extensive coverage through ACOFI’s institutional channels. There will be an exclusive website for the event. The organization has active social media platforms, which have a broad impact. Likewise, national and international campaigns will be carried out with various partners, especially Ecuador, Chile, Mexico, the United States, Spain, France, and Argentina.
7. Organizing Committee
National committee
Presidency
Julian Arellana
Vice Presidency
Julio Saldarriaga
Councillors
- Diego Patiño
- Amaury Cabarcas
- Adriana Villegas
- Fidermán Machuca
- Johann Petit
- Rocio Tijaro
- Norha Villegas
- Roberto Carlos Hincapié
- Luis Márquez
Executive Director
Luis Alberto González Araujo
Internacional committee
The international coordination, led by the General Secretariat, will be defined with the IFEES Secretariat.
8. Contact information
Colombian Association of Engineering Schools (ACOFI)
www.acofi.edu.co – director@acofi.edu.co
+57 3003221059