Between 13 and 16 February 2026, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Colombia, Miroslav Jenča, made his first official visit to the department of Meta to see first-hand the progress and challenges of implementing the Final Peace Agreement, nine years after its signing.
The Special Representative toured the El Samán neighbourhood in San Juan de Arama, where the Georgina Ortiz Graffiti Festival has been held since 2024. There, he highlighted the transformative role of women in peacebuilding: "I heard women victims, leaders and peasants transform pain into hope. Their stories live on today in the murals of the Graffiti Festival, the result of reconciliation and community reintegration," said Miroslav Jenča. In this way, art is consolidated as a vehicle for memory, resilience and female leadership in the territories.
In dialogue with reintegration leaders in the department of Meta, the Special Representative stressed: ‘It is key to consolidate achievements and avoid setbacks in security and sustainability.’ He also emphasised that ‘access to land and institutional support are decisive’ in ensuring comprehensive and sustainable reintegration, both inside and outside the TATRs.
During his visit to the San Juan de Arama TATR, he highlighted that the delivery of housing to peace signatories and their families in the two TATRs in Meta is a fundamental step towards stability and territorial roots. ‘These homes will provide stability and a new chapter towards a more sustainable reintegration,’ he said.
In Mesetas, the Special Representative highlighted the strategic role of the Peace Radio Stations, noting that they represent an opportunity to disseminate the Final Agreement as a roadmap to peace and security. He also stressed that these spaces amplify the voices of communities historically affected by the conflict.
From the Güejar River and the Guape Canyon, Miroslav Jenča noted the progress made in sustainable tourism and job generation. ‘The Peace Agreement is transforming territories historically affected by the conflict. Their extraordinary natural wealth can become an engine of opportunity. Peace opens paths to the future,’ he said.
His visit to the Meta department ended in Villavicencio, where he met with departmental authorities and representatives of the security forces to discuss the persistent security challenges in the area. "I understand the concern about the security challenges facing the territory. You can count on us to find solutions to these challenges," he said, reiterating the UN's commitment to supporting institutional efforts to strengthen security guarantees.
The visit to the department of Meta reaffirmed that the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement in the territory requires continuity, inter-institutional coordination and a comprehensive approach that combines security, sustainable development, a gender perspective and reconciliation.
Katherine Arias
Strategic Communications Officer - Regional Meta
UN Verification Mission in Colombia
