The Emirates Diplomatic Academy, EDA, recently organised a lecture on the Colombian referendum and peace process as part of ongoing series of lectures providing a platform for prominent voices to share thought-provoking perspectives with the people of Abu Dhabi.

EDA, the UAE’s international relations and diplomacy, education, executive training and research institution, hosted the interactive event in collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s Hedayah, the International Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism, and the Colombian Embassy.

Speakers included Faihan Al Fayez Chalhub, Ambassador of Colombia to the UAE, and Maqsoud Kruse, Executive Director of Hedayah. Bernardino Leon, President of EDA, delivered the closing remarks.

The lecture, followed by an engaging discussion, provided valuable insight into the Colombian peace process and the implications of the national referendum, which initially rejected the peace agreement, on the future of the country. Ratified in November 2016 following a four-year negotiation process, the ground-breaking Colombian peace agreement marked the end of conflict between the country’s government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC.

Maqsoud Kruse said, "As part of the ongoing collaboration between the government of Colombia and Hedayah, we are delighted to co-host this event that highlights the importance of ending conflicts through constructive diplomacy, negotiation and reconciliation."

Mr. Chalhub said, "The peace agreement is a historic event not only because it marks the end of a 52-year conflict, but because we have concluded successful peace negotiations. The implementation of the agreement will bring about social and economic development opportunities that have the potential to transform the country."

The peace has already brought tangible results as 7,000 FARC members have concluded surrendering their weapons in designated zones under the tripartite mechanism of monitoring and under the coordination of the United Nations, Chalhub noted, adding, "By June 2017, we are expecting total disarmament, and we are working towards re-integrating former rebel fighters into civilian life in the near future."