Barcelona, November 6, 2025 — In the magnificent setting of Smart City, the world’s most important event on smart cities, the International Reliability Recognition – Bronze Level award ceremony took place.
This prestigious distinction was granted by the World Council for Quality (WCFQ) and presented by renowned Colombian leader Karen Labrador, Director of Colombia Líder, who participated as a representative of the World Council for Quality.
The presentation of this recognition highlights the efforts of municipalities to advance in areas of circular economy, sustainability, and reliability.
The Reliability Seal and ISO 18091
The International Reliability Recognition, at its initial Bronze level, signifies that the municipality has completed a comprehensive self-assessment using ISO 18091 to evaluate its current situation. This level is endorsed by the World Council for Quality (WCFQ).
Headquartered in Madrid, the WCFQ has supported the ISO 18091 standard since 2005. It is composed of a distinguished group of experts—34 specialists from 20 countries—many of whom are recognized leaders in ISO standardization processes.
The implementation of ISO 18091 has proven essential, as it provides municipalities with a management system necessary to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an integrated manner—something the 2030 Agenda alone does not provide.
Karen Labrador: The Power of Objective Data
For over 20 years, Karen Labrador has led Colombia Líder, an organization in her country dedicated to evaluating the performance of mayors and governors based on objective data rather than citizen perception. The organization is driven by the conviction that “data is powerful for decision-making.”
Before presenting the awards, Labrador emphasized the importance of using a quality standard that guides territories and enables them to measure themselves objectively. She expressed that it was an honor to participate in the recognition of Mexican municipalities aligning their efforts and serving as an inspiration, noting that “inspiration transforms.”
Colombia Líder has fully supported the signing of the National Agreement for Circular Economy and Reliability, ensuring that its evaluation processes reflect the efforts made to guarantee quality in local government management.
Municipalities Recognized for Their Reliability
During the ceremony, several Bronze Recognitions were presented to Mexican municipalities participating in six local experiences supported by the national agreement.
Among the municipalities officially recognized at the Bronze level for their ISO 18091 self-assessment are:
- Delicias, Chihuahua: Mayor Jesús Valenciano shared the experience of creating a citizen-oriented Municipal Planning Institute designed to transcend administrations. In addition, the 2040 Trust Fund was established to secure long-term projects, including a 200-hectare industrial park intended to become the first green agro-industrial park in northern Mexico.
- General Escobedo, Nuevo León: This municipality is promoting the creation of a municipal circular economy laboratory within an industrial and logistics district.
Cuatrociénegas, Coahuila: A site of great ecological value that safeguards the origins of life. Through this certification, the municipality seeks to preserve the Valley and its ecosystem services.
