Yotoco, Valle del Cauca. On 4 February, a delegation composed of former Colombian President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Juan Manuel Santos, the Compaz Foundation team, and Spanish Ambassador to Colombia Santiago Jiménez met in Yotoco, in the department of Valle del Cauca, with members of the National Coffee Federation and representatives of other peace-signing organisations from various departments of the country to learn about their experiences nearly 10 years after the signing of the Peace Agreement.
During the exchange, participants shared the achievements and challenges of their reintegration process, as well as the reconciliation initiatives that have been developed in different areas of the country thanks to joint efforts with communities, social organisations, women's organisations and victims, with the support of international cooperation and the accompaniment of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia.
The day included a visit to the Trópicos Frutos de la Esperanza farm, where the delegation met with a group of young people undergoing barista training, including the sons and daughters of both peace signatories and victims of the armed conflict. During the talk, the young people spoke about their aspirations, what the Peace Agreement has meant for their lives and those of their families, and their commitment to promoting coffee as a life plan.
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By: Nadya Gonzáles
Strategic Communications Officer - Cali Regional
UN Verification Mission in Colombia
