Highly respected as one of the great leaders in Colombia, Sergio Fajardo is recognized for his extraordinary charisma and his astounding levels of execution. He has been praised for his innovation skills, with high impact on social en political issues.
Born in Medellin, Colombia, Fajardo is a mathematician of the University of the Andes, with a Master and PhD in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States, and Doctor Honoris Causa of the International Menéndez Pelayo University and University of Cordoba, Argentina.
He has held various positions in scientific institutions in Colombia, was a university professor and visiting professor in several prestigious universities around the world. Fajardo was also a recognized commentator for several leading media networks in Colombia.
In 1999 he decided to enter politics leading the first independent civic-based movement to become mayor of Medellin (Colombia’s second largest city).
In 2003, he was elected mayor with the highest vote in history. During his four-year tenure, he directed a great social transformation of Medellin, from a city immersed in violence to a center for aesthetic urban development projects that have won numerous awards and attention. He demonstrated that governance based on principles such as citizen participation and transparency in the use of public resources, and working outside traditional clientelism is possible in Colombia. In recognition to his work, he was named Best Mayor of Colombia in 2004-2007 and considered Latin America’s Most Relevant Person in 2007 by the Financial Times.
In 2010 he was Vice-presidential candidate for the Green Movement.
In 2012 Fajardo was elected Governor of Antioquia, with another historic vote. "Antioquia, the most Educated" was recognized as the best regional development plan and due to its successful implementation he was awarded Best Governor in Colombia.
Fajardo´s policies reframed Medellin and Antioquia’s economic and social landscape through resolving three main problems: inequality, violence, and a culture of corruption. He is currently a visiting professor at the Monterrey Institute of Technology, a prestigious international speaker and political leader.
