Virtual event brought together voices of encouragement 5 years after the Peace Agreement

On the occasion of the commemoration of the five years of the Peace Agreement, PASO Colombia organized the virtual event "Learning about territorial peace in Colombia", in conjunction with the Committee of Coffee Growers of Cauca and the National Coffee Table . The event brought together personalities who during these five years have worked directly for peace in the territories most affected by the conflict, from fronts such as academia, the international community and the productive sector.

His reflections on matters of territorial peace revolved around the achievements of the past five years, the job prospects that are gaining momentum and the challenges posed by the future. Despite the challenges facing the Colombian agreement, the panelists presented a hopeful outlook; After only a third of the time scheduled for its implementation, they affirm that the peace process continues to be consolidated as a benchmark at the international level.

In the video you will be able to know his reflections in detail. These are some of the most relevant ideas raised by the panelists:

Alessandro Preti, Head of Reinstatement of the UN Verification Mission:

"With 7,000 weapons handed in nine months, this handover process has worked quite well compared to others around the world. The handovers have shown their commitment and this is a sign that we have gone from bullets to votes."

Viva Bartkus, Director of the Business on the Frontlines program at the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business:

"With more than 50 years of war, Colombia continues to present the highest levels of inequality in the hemisphere. However, the reincorporated and peasants have a new vision: they work and share their job opportunities, building a world of inclusion in Colombia. And So I still have hope."

Antonio Pardo, Representative of the National Coffee Table:

"We are advancing hand in hand with very important allies such as the UN Verification Mission, UNDP, the Federation of Coffee Growers, PASO Colombia and the international community so that peace permeates the territories."

Pontus Ohrstedt, Head of the Peace Processes Unit of the FBA (Swedish Agency for Peace, Security and Development Cooperation):

"We must remain optimistic. There is no doubt that, as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres mentioned, Colombia's peace process is one of the most successful in the world compared to many others."

Gerardo Montenegro, Executive Director of the Cauca Coffee Growers Committee:

"Where coffee is planted today, it plays an important role in strengthening the economy, rebuilding the social fabric, and gives the reincorporated people who grow it the opportunity to transmit their history through a cup of coffee."

Juan Fernando Lucio, Director of PASO Colombia:

"Territorial peace allowed the discovery of a new potential of the peasant economies of Colombia. New ways of doing agriculture to face the challenges in terms of drug trafficking and migration"