AGP Executive Report

El Niño Watch: The UN warns the climate pattern is “surging” and already disrupting droughts, floods, and heatwaves, with the World Meteorological Organization saying there’s nearly a 100% chance it persists through February. Public Health: Colombia faces a dengue risk boost as El Niño’s heat accelerates Aedes aegypti and worsens conditions for outbreaks. AI Reliability: Gemini and Grok are back after a global outage hit multiple chatbots, while ChatGPT and Claude still report issues. Child Safety Online: UNICEF estimates 20 million children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries experienced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse in a year. Justice & Rights: A Colombian judge ordered a temporary suspension of guerrilla bombings when minors may be present, after strikes killed teenagers. Security Tech & Policy: Colombia’s passport-production agreements were provisionally suspended, but services and deliveries must continue. Space Cooperation: A Space Doctrine Conference in Tucson advanced partner-led space centers of excellence across the Western Hemisphere, including Colombia.

Sudan War Tech & Arms: A UN-backed fact-finding mission says foreign recruitment networks and state-linked support are sustaining Sudan’s civil war, including drone transfers and foreign personnel—allegedly involving Colombian contractors—raising the risk of war crimes. Colombia Connectivity: MinTIC reports Colombia’s fixed internet access hit 10.49 million in Q1 2026, with 5G accesses reaching 10 million and fiber driving growth. Cybersecurity Threats: Researchers detail BraZetsu, a Python-based Windows malware toolkit that turns compromised machines into a criminal marketplace, with heavy targeting of Latin America. Public Health Monitoring: Hawaiʻi’s DOH detected dengue virus in Hilo wastewater (no active cases reported), underscoring how wastewater surveillance can flag outbreaks early. Digital Child Safety: UNICEF estimates 20 million children (ages 12–17) face online sexual exploitation or abuse each year across 21 countries, with social media driving most cases. Energy & Industry in Colombia: Dewhurst Group received Colombia’s geothermal exploration permit for the Cóndor Paipa project in Boyacá, advancing clean-energy development. Biodiversity Milestone: Colombia’s blue-billed curassow “Miracle” chick hatches at Barranquilla Zoo, a rare captive-breeding win for a critically endangered species.

Geothermal Push: Dewhurst Group secured Colombia’s geothermal exploration permit for the Cóndor Paipa project, a step toward commercial-scale geothermal energy in Boyacá. Volcano Watch: Purace in Cauca stays on orange alert after a month of intense activity, with the Geological Service pointing to its hazard map and dense monitoring network. Urban Mobility & Safety: Yango Ride’s 2024–2025 Safety Report says serious traffic violations fell 31% globally, with privacy and GPS-based driving analysis helping reduce disputes and fraud. Water & Public Health: A report found traces of cocaine and illicit-production chemicals in drinking-water systems serving 11.8M people across five Colombian cities, raising concerns about contamination pathways. Digital Child Safety: UNICEF estimates 20M children (12–17) faced online sexual exploitation or abuse in a year across 21 countries, highlighting low reporting and major undercounting. Regulation & Tech in Schools: Bogota proposed restricting cellphone use during the school day, aiming to balance learning tech with attention and face-to-face interaction. Healthcare Manufacturing: Caplin One Labs received INVIMA GMP compliance confirmation for oncology drug manufacturing, supporting Colombia’s access to cancer treatments.

Bogotá’s School Tech Rules: The city is consulting on a draft regulation that would sharply restrict cellphone use during the school day, aiming to separate learning tech from distractions for kids across early childhood, primary, and secondary grades. Public Health & Aging: Bogotá is also using video games as part of its Wellness Week push to reduce stress and tackle elderly loneliness, after survey results showed over half of residents above 60 reporting moderate to high loneliness. Healthcare Innovation: Knight Therapeutics won Colombian regulatory approval for TAVALISSE (fostamatinib) to treat adult chronic immune thrombocytopenia patients who didn’t respond to or can’t tolerate prior therapies. Ag Tech Push: Bayer says it has launched 2 of 10 planned Crop Science blockbusters, including Plenexos in Colombia and Preceon Smart Corn in multiple countries, and mapped further launches. Fintech Expansion: Félix Pago raised $200M to expand beyond remittances into lending, savings, and AI guidance, positioning itself for a tax shift that favors digital transfers. Logistics Deal: DHL Global Forwarding acquired Aero Cargas in Uruguay, moving from a partner model to direct operations in the country. Space Connectivity Tech: Amazon’s FCC approval for direct-to-device satellite plans highlights growing competition in phone-to-satellite connectivity.

Nearshore Tech & Jobs: MicroSourcing inaugurated its Bogotá delivery center, expanding its Latin America footprint and adding a nearshore hub for clients across the Americas and Europe. Sustainable Cities: Cartagena de Indias landed among the most sustainable heritage cities in Europe and Latin America, using a model that links heritage preservation with culture, economic activity, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. Health Tech & Pharma: Knight Therapeutics received INVIMA approval in Colombia for TAVALISSE® (fostamatinib) to treat adult chronic immune thrombocytopenia after inadequate response to prior therapies. Fintech & Payments: Félix Pago raised $200M (Series C) and plans to move beyond remittances into lending, savings, and AI-driven financial guidance, benefiting from a new tax rule that exempts digital transfers. Energy & Water: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expanded the Cargill Currents partnership into Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Türkiye to improve safe water access, sanitation, and watershed restoration. Aviation AI: Dominican AI aviation assistant SARA won a Women in Tech LATAM award and is set to represent Latin America at global awards. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky warned that small businesses are facing the same kinds of attacks as large firms, urging stronger defenses.

Biodiversity & Taxonomy: Ecuadorian researchers formally describe Pristimantis milpe as a distinct frog species after revisiting 19th-century specimens—an abundant, widespread animal long misnamed, spanning western Ecuador and southern Colombia. Health Policy & Genetics: A new critique spotlights how insurers may penalize people for results from life-saving genetic tests, raising concerns about access and affordability in Colombia and Costa Rica. Colombia Tech & Society: Medellín’s Youth Well-Being Measurement flags rising loneliness and weaker off-screen social ties among ages 14–28, aiming to feed updates to youth public policy. Disaster Response Tech: Indra is deploying 70+ satellite connectivity points and drone imaging with AI analysis to restore communications and assess damage after Colombia’s earthquake. Digital Finance: Mercado Bitcoin and Bitso plan to join forces in Brazil to compete on spreads ahead of tighter Central Bank rules. Climate & Oceans: Panama reports ship noise can cut whale-song detection by up to 45%, with regional efforts pushing for a quieter ocean. Energy Media: UHN Plus Media Network launches The Energy Post to connect energy markets, policy, and investment across the Americas.

Disaster Tech in Colombia: Indra is rolling out emergency connectivity for earthquake-hit areas, installing 70+ satellite internet points in Valle del Cauca, Caldas and Chocó (with Risaralda under review) to restore communications via Hispasat, plus drones with high-resolution cameras and AI-assisted satellite image analysis to map damage and guide response priorities. Biodiversity Finance Gap: Colombia-linked U.N. “Cali Fund” for sharing benefits from digital genetic data has collected only about $6,000 since launch, far below the $1B/year goal, with experts citing low awareness and weak recognition of compliance certificates. New Species in Colombia: SINCHI-led research in the Caquetá–Putumayo river basins documented major aquatic biodiversity, including new animal records and species of conservation interest. Cocaine Economy Data: An EAFIT University report says illicit cocaine exports hit $16.5B in 2024, surpassing crude oil and making cocaine Colombia’s top export, with the trade now ~4.4% of GDP. Cybersecurity for SMBs: Kaspersky warns attackers are increasingly targeting smaller firms; its survey finds most SMBs faced incidents in the past year, with phishing and remote access among the most common. AI in Education (Colombia): Asteromorph’s AI model won gold-level results at Colombia’s IPhO, scoring 28.6/30 on the theoretical exam.

AI in Business (Colombia): Endeavor Data Unit’s “Colombia AI Pulse” finds 61% of firms call AI a strategic priority, but only 37.7% have integrated it into day-to-day operations, with an average AI sophistication score of 45.6/100—adoption is happening, scaling is the gap. Cybersecurity (SMBs): Kaspersky warns attackers are targeting smaller businesses too; its survey says only 14% of SMBs (100–499 employees) avoided a cyber incident in the past year, with phishing, software flaws, and remote access leading common breaches. Regenerative Medicine (Colombia): PlacidWay partners with Stem Cells Kyron Colombia in Cali to route international patients toward INVIMA-regulated GMP mesenchymal stem cell therapies. Health Research (Prostate Cancer): A study on prostate cancer care found routine cardiology/internist referrals improved cholesterol and statin use, but didn’t reduce major heart outcomes. Trade Policy: Colombia’s president says free-trade talks with Japan will resume after 15 years, aiming to unlock investment in manufacturing, electric mobility, energy, and tech. Security & Justice (Colombia): Colombia confirmed three children killed in a Guaviare airstrike tied to an armed dissident camp, with forensic identification underway. Earthquake Tech & Response: Coverage highlights local relief coordination for Colombia and Venezuela after recent quakes, alongside broader public preparedness themes.

Cybersecurity in Colombia: A new investigation says a Blind Eagle-linked campaign used phishing emails impersonating Colombian judicial and traffic bodies, then delivered password-protected archives to slow detection and connect victims to remote-access malware and file-hosting tools. Public finance pressure: Colombia’s 2026–2027 budget is projected to run a deeper deficit than expected, with analysts warning the government may need multilateral support, potentially including the IMF. National parks & conservation: Colombia is ranked top 10 globally for national natural parks (61 protected areas) and leads Latin America on the IUCN Green List. Education access: SENA Sofia Plus expands free, online technical training and certification access across Colombia. Disaster response tech: After a 7.4 earthquake, Colombia’s aid and search efforts highlighted drones and specialized teams in the response. Health research: A study on prostate cancer care found that adding internist/cardiologist referrals improved cholesterol and medication use, though it didn’t reduce major cardiovascular events. Security & justice cooperation: Colombia and the Dominican Republic move to strengthen judicial cooperation via a joint investigation team.

Fiscal Policy & Markets: Colombia’s 2026–2027 budget points to a deeper deficit than expected, with analysts warning debt could reach unsustainable levels and raising the odds of multilateral support, potentially including the IMF. Conservation & Data: Colombia is ranked top 10 globally for national parks and leads Latin America on the IUCN Green List, a boost for biodiversity management. Public Safety & Tech in Disasters: SES says its geosynchronous satellites helped beam broadband to quake-hit Colombians, supporting faster humanitarian coordination when telecom infrastructure is damaged. Drug Policy & Agriculture: President Abelardo de la Espriella moved to repeal Colombia’s glyphosate ban, while noting constitutional hurdles and requirements before any aerial spraying resumes. Education Access: SENA Sofia Plus expands free, online technical training and certification management for learners nationwide. Security Cooperation: Colombia and the U.S. Southern Command highlight a capture tied to Tren de Aragua, signaling tighter regional anti-crime coordination. Health Research: A study on prostate cancer care found cardiology/internist referrals improved cholesterol and medication use, though not major heart outcomes. Biodiversity Research: A mission to photograph every species of bumblebee in the Americas spotlights conservation pressure from invasive species.

Earthquake Preparedness & Space-Linked Relief: SES used its geosynchronous satellites to deliver broadband to quake-hit Colombians, helping coordinate faster humanitarian response after major tremors. Public Safety Tech (Bio-inspired): Researchers propose “paraborg” cyborg cockroaches that could deliver injections in tight rubble spaces during search-and-rescue missions. Security & Tech-Enabled Policing: Colombia and the U.S. say they’ve stepped up joint action against Tren de Aragua, including the capture of a suspected senior leader. Agri-Tech & Policy Shift: Colombia repealed a 2015 glyphosate ban tied to drug-crop eradication, while still pointing to constitutional and environmental safeguards. Health Research: A Colombian study reports medical cannabis improved pain, insomnia, and mood/behavior symptoms in 91% of older adults. Education Platform: SENA Sofia Plus expands free, online technical training access across Colombia. Mining & Innovation: Copper Giant reports long copper mineralized intervals at its Mocoa project, reinforcing its large resource model. Economy Watch: Colombia’s new budget projects a worse-than-expected fiscal outlook, raising the odds of multilateral support.

Colombia–U.S. Security Tech: Colombia’s security forces captured suspected Tren de Aragua leader Luis Saúl Pérez Nieto, with the U.S. Southern Command pointing to deeper military cooperation against organized crime. Public Health & Policy: President Abelardo de la Espriella repealed Colombia’s 2015 glyphosate ban, clearing the way for aerial spraying of illicit crops but still subject to constitutional and environmental requirements. Disaster Connectivity: SES says its geosynchronous satellites are helping deliver broadband to quake-hit Colombians, aiming to keep communications alive when local telecom infrastructure is damaged. Urban Security Push: De la Espriella also announced a joint effort with Bogotá’s mayor to strengthen capital security using more police presence, intelligence, technology, and urban capabilities. Mining & Data-Driven Exploration: Copper Giant Resources reported a 771-meter intercept at its Mocoa project, reinforcing its model for a large porphyry system. Health Research: A Colombian study/preprint reports medical cannabis improved pain, insomnia, and mood/behavior symptoms in 91% of older adults who received treatment. Climate & Risk: Colombia faces 18 severe wildfires as El Niño-driven dry conditions intensify.

Satellite Disaster Response: SES says its geosynchronous Titan spacecraft helped deliver life-saving broadband to quake-hit Colombians after the latest major tremor, aiming to restore connectivity when fiber and towers fail. Public Safety & Security Tech: The U.S. Southern Command announced Colombia captured a suspected senior Tren de Aragua leader, highlighting deeper military cooperation and intelligence/technology support. Agrochemicals & Drug Policy: President Abelardo de la Espriella repealed a 2015 glyphosate ban, but the decree stresses it doesn’t automatically restart spraying and must meet constitutional requirements like environmental plans, community consultation, health sign-off, and monitoring. Health & Biotech: A Colombian study/preprint reports medical cannabis improved pain, insomnia, and mood/behavior symptoms in 91% of older adults after treatment. Mining & R&D: Copper Giant reported 771 meters of mineralization at its Mocoa project, reinforcing its copper model and project scale. Energy/Maritime Tech: SAAM Towage took delivery of a new LNG-support tug for Colombia, built for efficiency and safety in growing energy operations. Cybersecurity: Dark Caracal updated its malware toolkit with a Go-based framework to keep attackers connected after server takedowns, using phishing and SVG lures. Climate/Environment: El Niño is driving severe wildfires across Colombia, with reports of 18 major fires. Finance & Macroeconomics: Colombia’s new budget projects a worse fiscal outlook for 2026–2027, with analysts pointing to possible multilateral lender support.

Deportation Crackdown: Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella faces backlash after announcing a fast deportation campaign against people living irregularly, with Venezuelans expected to be hit hardest. Public Media Shake-Up: Inravisión ordered Colombia’s public broadcaster to suspend news and regional programming, framed as dismantling a “propaganda apparatus,” raising alarms about press freedom. Security Push with U.S. Ties: Colombia moves back to an offensive security posture, with U.S. Southern Command leaders meeting Colombian defense officials in Tumaco as the drug-war map shifts. AI in Courts Debate: A new discussion questions whether AI tools can replace judges, pointing to concerns about accuracy and explainability, including Colombia’s earlier ChatGPT use in legal work. Mining Update (Mocoa): Copper Giant reports 771 meters of mineralization at its Mocoa project, saying the drill results match its grade model. Cybersecurity: Dark Caracal returns with GoCaracal malware and Ethereum-based fallback communications, keeping operations resilient after server disruptions. Health & Research: A Colombia medical-cannabis study reports symptom improvements in 91% of older adults for pain, insomnia, and mood issues. Climate Watch: El Niño is developing faster than expected, with Colombia at risk as heat and dry conditions intensify.

Rare Disease Research in Colombia’s Orbit: Chiesi Global Rare Diseases says it’s supporting 13 scientific abstracts at SSIEM 2026 in Helsinki, including Fabry disease and alpha-mannosidosis work led by the company, with long-term Phase 3 and patient-reported outcomes highlighted. El Niño Watch for Colombia: IDEAM reports El Niño is developing faster than prior forecasts, with high chances of persistence into late 2026 and possible very strong intensity—raising stakes for heat and climate impacts. Mining Update (Mocoa): Copper Giant Resources reported in-fill drilling at its Mocoa copper-molybdenum project, expanding continuous mineralization and refining a grade model ahead of a planned Preliminary Economic Assessment. Cybersecurity Threat: Arctic Wolf Labs links Venezuela intrusions to Dark Caracal, describing a Go-based framework (GoCaracal) plus an Ethereum-based fallback for resilient command-and-control. Digital Growth in Colombia: Muto Studio says it’s expanding U.S. services across custom software, AI automation, and digital transformation. Public Health & Water: UNICEF and the Baxter Foundation report progress on WASH in Colombia’s remote regions, including new community water systems and sanitation certifications.

Colombia Earthquake Response: The U.S. says it has sent $26.5M in humanitarian aid after Colombia’s Aug. 10, 7.4 quake, as the country reports major damage and missing people. Wildfire Crisis (El Niño): Colombia is battling 18 active wildfires across Tolima, Nariño, Cundinamarca and Valle del Cauca, with Tolima hardest hit (over 20,000 hectares burned) and officials warning risks could stretch to March 2027. Public Memory & Politics: Colombia appointed D’Mar Cordoba—critic of the Peace Agreement and described as an armed-conflict denier—as director of the National Center for Historical Memory, sparking controversy. Planetarium Access: Medellín’s Planetarium reopened after a nearly $1M renovation, launching Colombia’s first fully accessible exhibit plus dozens of new science experiences. Health Tech (Biotech): UNAL researchers are developing human bone implant materials using tilapia waste, combining gelatin-like components with hydroxyapatite. Space/Science Culture: A new dataset maps precise digital boundaries for 386 coastal UNESCO sites, showing how climate risks could threaten heritage. Immigration Tech Policy: The U.S. paused immigrant visa interviews worldwide, affecting families and some workers, as consular training changes processing schedules.