March 19, 2024

Change Stories project begins 4-day residential event in Bogotá, Colombia

The Change Stories project is an research project with collaboration from academics and their community-based partners in Belfast (Queen’s University), Northern Ireland, Belo Horizonte (Federal University of Minas Gerais Brazil and Observatory for Urban Health), Brazil, and Bogotá (Universidad de los Andes), Colombia. Additional collaborators include USA and Internationally-based advisory group members, who work within their communities. The project is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The 3 case study cities in the Change Stories project are Belfast, Northern Ireland, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and Bogotá, Colombia.

The Change Stories project vision is to “shift the paradigm of how we tell stories about successful urban change and who tells them, leading cities to develop deeply contextual solutions to support health, equity and wellbeing.”

Over 38 individuals have gathered together at the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia this week to share learnings and build connections with one another. From the College of Built Environments Department of Urban Design and Planning, Research Associate Professor Helen Pineo, Postdoctoral Scholar Magdalena Haakenstad, and Office of Research Administrative Specialist and Master of Public Health candidate Sarah Randall are participating in the event.

Objectives of the week together include identifying and collaboratively shaping future research activities, gather and share information about each city, and prioritize decolonized research practices and explore opportunities for local benefits. Creating trusted relationships with partners is a key outcome of the week as well. Attendees were able to participate in sight-seeing and community activities upon their arrival before session events began on Monday. Ciclovía in Bogotá is an event that takes place every Sunday, prioritizing bicycle riding in the city; utilizing and appreciating public space, and fostering community connections and health.

The progress of the Change Stories project can be followed on their Instagram and X pages @change_stores_ and on Facebook at “Change Stories”.