Colombia advances steadily in gender equality & female empowerment policy

Colombia issued last month the first gender-focused social bond in Latin America aligned with international standards. Proceeds from the bond placement will be used to finance the growth of female-led SMEs, as well as the purchase of social interest houses by women. The issue of the bond positions Colombia as the first country in the region to structure and place this kind of financial instrument in the market as recognised by UN Women; the bond is also expected to contribute to six of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Read more.

On 30th August, the government of Colombia launched a pioneering tool to facilitate project funding through productivity bonuses for the promotion of female empowerment in the Colombian regions. The first project, which will be made effective in the Huila Department, with an investment of approximately €970,000, will benefit more than 500 women in the region. The productivity bonuses system will provide territorial authorities the resources and means "to make of Colombia a nation of entrepreneur women" in the words of Equality Presidential Counsellor, Gheidy Gallo Santos. 

President Duque led Biodiversity PreCOP to increase the political momentum for global sustainable goals

Colombia hosted PreCOP the past 30th August, a high-level political meeting in a virtual format held in Leticia. The event was organised with the aim of increasing political momentum around the process that will define the new global biodiversity goals and targets for the upcoming decades. The event included the participation of leaders of coalitions critical in mobilising action and support for the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity, including the High Ambition Coalition, the Global Ocean Alliance, and the Leader’s Pledge for Nature. Watch the event.

Colombia advances in Peace with Legality providing support to over 5,000 victims residing abroad

In a virtual dialogue on reparation and peacebuilding held at the end of August, the Vice President and Foreign Minister, Marta Lucía Ramírez, confirmed the government, through the Victims Unit and the Council for Stabilization, compensates 5,451 victims of the conflict. 

During the session, the senior official  mentioned "this accompaniment is a mandate that, from the Foreign Ministry, we carry out with the greatest effort and commitment, through the function of consular assistance."  She added the strategy of special days was adapted to virtual care scenarios, given the situation caused by the global health emergency caused by COVID-19. Read more.

Fireside talk Magdalena, A Story of Colombia with Wade Davis

The Embassy of Colombia, in collaboration with Dublin City University, is very pleased to announce the upcoming fireside chat with anthropologist, author and explorer Wade Davis. Davis will be in conversation with Dr. Susan Hegarty, Head of School of History and Geography in DCU, on 30th September at 5pm. The virtual discussion will revolve around Davis' recent book Magdalena. River of Dreams, a journey following the arterial river in Colombia; an essential feature to understand the country's recent history and natural wealth. Register here.