Colombia: Peace, Reconciliation, and Development

A Conversation with Frank Pearl, High Commissioner for Peace and High Counselor for Social and Economic Reintegration, Republic of Colombia

September 29, 2009, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Colombia, with U.S. assistance, has fought for more than a decade a high stakes battle for control of the country and its future against both left-wing guerilla and right-wing paramilitary groups that are largely financed through illegal drug trafficking. Colombia's strategy under President Alvaro Uribe has taken a strong line in confronting the armed groups and drug traffickers, but has also emphasized the reintegration of demobilized former combatants, and social and economic development as cornerstones of a peace-building process.

Frank Pearl, High Commissioner for Peace and High Counselor for Social and Economic Reintegration, will discuss the steps Colombia is taking to reintegrate former combatants, gain widespread community support and involvement in the reintegration process, reduce extreme poverty and inequality, and create a more stable and peaceful Colombia.