Washington, D.C., July 23, 2013 – Paul Westbrook, a Senior Fellow in the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA), will be traveling July 28 to August 1 2013 to participate in meetings and events in Colombia, including Adaptation to Climate Change and Public Investment in Colombia, hosted by the General Comptroller of the Republic. Senior ECPA fellow Paul Westbrook is a Sustainable Development Manager at Texas Instruments.

The Senior ECPA Fellows program is a network of high-level technical experts in the fields of climate change and energy who travel between countries in the Western Hemisphere to consult with governments or other institutions. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemispheric Affairs and is administered by Partners of the Americas. There are currently 20 Senior ECPA Fellows who participate in these international exchanges. The main areas of focus for the program are: energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy infrastructure, energy poverty and access, sustainable forestry and land use, and climate change adaptation. Paul Westbrook is an expert LEED-Accredited Professional, recognized as a leader and speaker in efficiency and whole-system integrated design across the spectrum from residential projects to large industrial facilities.
During his visit to Colombia, Paul Westbrook’s main goal will be to attend and present at a National forum in Bogotá on climate change adaptation and public investment organized by the Comptroller office, Colombia Humanitaria, Fondo de Adaptación and the Departamento Nacional de Planeación. Mr. Westbrook will lead a discussion table at the forum on adaptation to climate change and infrastructure. He will also attend separate meetings with different ministries of Colombia such as housing, energy and environment. Additionally, a meeting with the Departamento Nacional de Planeación is on the agenda to determine best ways to proceed with their climate change adaptation plans and policy implementation. During his stay in Colombia, he will participate in meetings with the academic sector (Universidad de los Andes), the public sector and Fondo Acción. Interviews will be conducted with Colombian national media agencies.

Partners of the Americas is an international network that promotes social and economic development in the Americas through leadership, voluntary service, and development programs. Its mission is to connect individuals, volunteers, institutions, businesses, and communities to serve and to change lives through lasting partnerships. Partners envisions an interconnected hemisphere that maximizes the social and economic potential, and leverages the full diversity, of the Americas.