On November 11, 2023, El Poblado MDE hosted Live In MDE 3: Celebrating the Power of Global Community for attendees to exchange perspectives, share ideas, and connect with others within and outside the El Poblado community. Bringing together over 150 attendees across the diverse sectors of university students, local business owners, global residents, international visitors, and key stakeholders, the event offered guests opportunities to network, listen to an engaging panel discussion, and interact with local vendors at the Culture Market. Panel discussions have served crucial roles in previous Live In MDE events, and this edition was no different.

Live In MDE 3’s panel included a stellar line-up full of distinguished panelists who are seasoned professionals within their industry and field as they shared their insights, experiences, and perspectives on the global community within and beyond El Poblado. Moderated by Universal Admedia and El Poblado MDE’s Creative Director, M Aroonrut, the panelists engaged in meaningful conversation surrounding El Poblado, Medellín, and how it’s being represented to tourists and locals alike. The panelists included Juan Duque, Maria del Carmen Mesa Estrada, Bad Milk, and Daniel Hernández Estrada. Duque is a Colombian urban singer and songwriter whose music blends rhythmic beats with heartfelt lyrics as his songs showcase his Paisa culture and pride. Mesa Estrada currently serves as the cultural manager and producer for Parque Explora, a local museum that provides educational experiences surrounding science, space and planets, underwater creatures, and more for the Medellín region to enjoy. Hernández Estrada co-founded the Medellín-based restaurant La Rufina and serves as the brand’s Creative Director as it strives to embody a community of freedom chasers in its restaurant, cafe, motorcycle club, and more. Bad Milk is a rising Colombian singer and songwriter whose music is not only climbing the charts but continues to empower young women and girls through her lyrics and outspoken views.

Driving the panel discussion was the theme of global community and the role it plays not only in El Poblado but the greater Medellín region. With each panelist having ties to Medellín, the conversation started with a focus on social responsibility not only for the panelists but the attendees as well. The panelists highlighted that residents of communities throughout Medellín must ensure that Medellín is being represented correctly and fully. For instance, tourists may have a certain impression or idea regarding Medellín and what it represents, but as residents, they must ensure that all aspects of Medellín’s identity are being represented and that tourists and visitors are being educated on that identity. The responsibility of being a community member means ensuring that your community is represented well.

Sticking to the focus of Medellín, the panelists also shared their thoughts and perspectives on some of the problems that the region is facing, and any solutions they might have. Using her law school background, Bad Milk called out Colombia’s government and highlighted the different policies that could be made to help Medellín as it faces challenges. Hernández Estrada discussed a rising issue that the community continues to face – gentrification. To understand the difference between development and gentrification, Hernández Estrada discussed the rising problem of gentrification happening in the community. As gentrification continues to occur in El Poblado and other Medellín neighborhoods, local residents of the neighborhood cannot afford to live in the community and are therefore pushed out of their residences and forced to move out of their homes. As tourists continue to visit El Poblado and other Medellín communities, neighborhoods like Comuna 13 are starting to rely on tourism to live and survive. Residents of Comuna 13 are unable to go about their day normally, and their day-to-day life is being disturbed due to this high amount of tourism and the attraction the neighborhood has on visitors. Hernández Estrada stated that to break this cycle, residents of Comuna 13 and beyond need to create ways to highlight the other aspects of the neighborhood and community outside of tourism. For instance, highlight the community’s rich culture, showcase its beautiful art, and more importantly, educate visitors on the neighborhood’s history and heritage. The culture doesn’t just end at the history and heritage, the people of Medellín and the communities that build the region are key aspects of the culture as well. For Hernández Estrada, through his company, BOYCOTT X, he hopes to be able to showcase the local businesses, residents, and more that are doing good for the community and put those residents in the spotlight instead of tourism.

Mesa Estrada also touched on Medellín’s community and how Parque Explora aims to provide a space for community members and residents to learn, interact, and engage through their educational experiences. Originally, Parque Explora was used for more academic purposes and seemed closed-off to the surrounding community. Today, the building encompasses a science museum, planetarium, and aquarium all in one to provide educational interactive experiences for all. Mesa Estrada stated that with the community in mind, Parque Explora’s goal is to be approachable and a place that everyone can enjoy.

Bad Milk and Duque also discussed the meaning of being a global citizen and how they can remain a global citizen while still embracing their culture and roots. As singers being played and recognized internationally, Duque and Bad Milk have each had their own experience being a global resident whether it’s through touring, appearances, or their music in general. For Bad Milk, it’s important that while she’s grown up in a globalized world, she continues to maintain and represent her Colombian identity. Duque shared this same belief, especially when it comes to showcasing his Paisa pride. Duque told attendees that he is not afraid to be authentic and showcase his Colombian and Paisa heritage in everything he does. Being bilingual, Duque opted to speak solely in Spanish for the discussion, as he emphasized that no matter what the media or the world may want him to be, he will continue to stay true to himself, his community, and his heritage. Whether it’s posting his breakfast of the day, arepa huevos, on his Instagram story to including traditional Colombian words in his song titles and lyrics like “+ Chimbita,” Duque stated he will always be authentic and represent the community and culture of where he came from.

The panel discussion focused on a myriad of topics that highlighted Medellín’s global community as the panelists fostered fruitful and insightful conversations with one another and the attendees. Providing another opportunity for residents and visitors of the El Poblado community to exchange perspectives, foster connections, and educate themselves about this evolving community, Live In MDE 3: Celebrating the Power of Global Community was an unforgettable experience. El Poblado MDE would like to thank our amazing panelists for sharing their insights and making this event spectacular! We can’t wait to see what other discussions we will have in 2024 at the next Live In MDE event!

Live In MDE 3 Event Recap

The Importance of Global Community Within Medellín: A Recap of Live In MDE 3’s Panel Discussion

Celebrating the Power of Global Community: A Recap of Live In MDE 3