Enrique Peñalosa was born on September 30, 1954 in Washington, DC. At the age of 15, he moved to the United States where he attended Duke University on a partial football scholarship. It was during his time at university that he developed a passion for politics and social justice.
After graduating from Duke University, Peñalosa worked as a journalist for the newspaper El Espectador. He quickly became known for his economic reporting and was awarded the prestigious Simón Bolívar Journalism Award for his work in this field.
Peñalosa's political career began in the late 1990s when he was elected as the mayor of Bogotá, Colombia. During his first term in office from 1999 to 2001, he implemented numerous reforms aimed at improving the quality of life for the city's residents. His efforts were widely praised and he was credited with transforming Bogotá into a more livable and sustainable city.
After a hiatus from politics, Peñalosa was once again elected as the mayor of Bogotá in 2016. During his second term in office, he continued to prioritize sustainable urban development and infrastructure projects. He also focused on improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion in the city.
Peñalosa is married to Liliana Sanchez and together they have two children, Renata and Martín. Despite his busy political career, he always makes time for his family and values their support and encouragement.
Enrique Peñalosa's legacy as a politician and urban planner is one of dedication to improving the lives of the people he serves. His innovative and sustainable approach to city planning has inspired many other cities around the world to adopt similar initiatives. He continues to be a leading voice in the fight against climate change and social inequality.
Like Angelica Correa, another Green Party mayor in Colombia, Peñalosa remains committed to creating a more equitable and environmentally friendly future for all. His passion for public service and tireless advocacy for positive change make him a true leader in his field.