Panama City has won the 2026 Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities Award for technological innovation. The Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities announced the recognition this week. The prize honors the city’s EMPLEO 3.0 platform developed by the Panama City Mayor’s Office Technology Department.
More than 30 initiatives competed for the award. A jury evaluated each proposal. The panel included representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank, the Andean Development Corporation, IE University, Madrid Innovation and the UCCI itself. Panama City‘s proposal stood out for its focus on connecting citizens with employment opportunities through digital tools.
Technology Platform Connects Citizens to Jobs
EMPLEO 3.0 uses technology to transform how people find work. The platform builds a direct bridge between job seekers and available positions. City officials say the system has already changed lives across the capital region.
Josué Obando, director of Technology for the Panama City Mayor’s Office, traveled to accept the award. He spoke about what the recognition means for the city.
“This is a very important international recognition of the work, vision and innovation we have been promoting from the Mayor’s Office,” Obando said. [Translated from Spanish]
The award ceremony took place in early June 2026. Panama City demonstrated its commitment to developing tools that serve its residents. The platform represents a shift toward smarter urban governance.
International Visibility at Madrid Forum
EMPLEO 3.0 will now gain even broader exposure. City officials confirmed the initiative will be presented at the IFEMA Madrid 2026 Forum of Cities. This event attracts urban leaders from across the Spanish-speaking world.
The presentation at IFEMA gives Panama City a global stage. It showcases how local government can use technology to solve real problems. Panama City innovation in the public sector is drawing attention from international development organizations.
Obando emphasized the transformative nature of the project. He noted that the platform connects people with opportunities that can change their economic futures. The technology department built the system from the ground up.
This award places Panama City alongside other innovative Ibero-American capitals. The UCCI network includes cities from Latin America, Spain and Portugal. Members share best practices and collaborate on urban development challenges.
The Panama City Mayor has prioritized technology as a tool for improving city services. The EMPLEO 3.0 platform represents a tangible result of that focus. City residents can now access job listings through an intuitive digital interface.
Officials expect the IFEMA presentation to generate additional interest. Other cities may adopt similar platforms. The technology could be adapted for different labor markets across the region.
Panama City continues to position itself as a regional technology hub. The UCCI award validates that strategy. International recognition from organizations like the Inter-American Development Bank adds credibility to the city’s approach.
The competition was intense. More than 30 cities submitted proposals. Each initiative underwent rigorous evaluation by the expert jury. Panama City’s EMPLEO 3.0 emerged as the winner based on its impact and scalability.
Obando thanked the mayor’s team and the technology department staff. He said the award belongs to everyone who contributed to the project. The city plans to continue developing new digital tools for its citizens.