An initiative for global exchange
Between November 25 and December 5, the Government of Colombia, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Procasur Corporation, led the First Learning Route of the South-South Cooperation Program in Peacebuilding. This activity, entitled “From Colombia to the world: Lessons learned and good practices for sustainable and inclusive peacebuilding,” brought together delegations from the Philippines, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria.
Key areas in Peacebuilding
The Learning Route addressed key issues to strengthen peacebuilding processes in diverse contexts. Each key axis was designed to provide delegations with a comprehensive vision and practical tools that can be adapted to the needs of their countries.
Colombia has a solid institutional structure to implement the Final Peace Agreement, with key entities such as the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) and the Truth Commission. These institutions work together to guarantee truth, justice and reparations, promoting trust between communities and the State.
The Development Programs with Territorial Focus (PDET), led by the Agency for Territorial Renewal (ART), promote participatory projects that transform regions affected by the conflict, promoting social cohesion and improving coordination between levels of government.
The Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization (ARN) leads the integration of ex-combatants through productive and educational projects, strengthening community reconciliation through the Territorial Spaces for Training and Reincorporation (ETCR).
The Unit for the Attention and Integral Reparation of Victims (UARIV) manages compensation, collective reparation and psychosocial care programs, positioning victims as the central axis of the peace process.
Experiences at territorial level
Agency for the Reincorporation and Normalization (ARN)
ARN leads reincorporation processes for former combatants through comprehensive initiatives that combine education, work and community reconciliation. It also promotes productive projects and models of peaceful coexistence that strengthen social stability in the receiving communities.
Key data:
- More than 13,000 ex-combatants reincorporated through educational and labor programs.
- Implementation of more than 5,000 sustainable productive projects.
- Creation of Territorial Spaces for Training and Reincorporation (ETCR) to facilitate integration.
Agency for Territorial Renewal (ART)
ART coordinates Development Programs with Territorial Focus (PDET), promoting community participation and the implementation of projects that transform living conditions in the regions most affected by the armed conflict.
Key data:
- Coordination of 16 PDET subregions involving more than 200,000 stakeholders.
- Execution of more than 33,000 prioritized infrastructure and social development initiatives.
- Promotion of alliances between communities, government and international cooperation.
Unit for the Attention and Integral Reparation of Victims (UARIV)
The UARIV is responsible for guaranteeing comprehensive reparation to victims through compensation programs, psychosocial care and strategies that prioritize a differential approach for vulnerable communities.
Key data:
- More than 1 million victims comprehensively compensated.
- Psychosocial care provided to more than 240,000 people through PAPSIVI.
- Single Registry of Victims that recognizes more than 9 million people affected.
Towards the future: Innovation and adaptation
As a result of the Learning Route, delegations developed an Innovation Plan designed to address specific challenges in their national contexts. This plan includes:
- Sustainable socioeconomic reincorporation systems: Proposals to generate lasting economic opportunities for ex-combatants, ensuring their social and productive integration.
- Community participation models and peace funds: Strategies that promote local leadership and co-management of resources for territorial development projects.
- Mechanisms for victim reparation and private sector involvement: Initiatives to promote private sector investment in reparation and community development projects.
During 2025, with the technical support of the organizing team, these delegations will work on adapting the strategies learned, prioritizing the implementation of concrete actions that promote inclusive and sustainable peace.
A model of global inspiration
This Learning Route demonstrates Colombia’s potential as a global reference in peacebuilding. By creating spaces for horizontal dialogue, where local experiences converge and mutually enrich each other, innovative solutions are promoted. When reincorporation initiatives in Colombia dialogue with community reconciliation practices in Nigeria or Congolese territorial development strategies find echoes in Philippine processes, lessons are learned that strengthen peace processes in all partner countries. This exchange strengthens international cooperation ties and lays the foundations for sustainable and inclusive peace in the world.
