Young leaders debated about the challenges of the post-conflict for the country´s future

A total of 50 people attended the first meeting of Young National Leaders in Colombia, an initiative created by CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, to actively promote the development of emerging leadership in the region, and the generation of actions that contribute to the country's progress.  

Young Colombian people who stand out in the economic, social, environmental, and cultural sectors of the Nation participated in the event. 

L. Victor Traverso, CAF´s Director Representative in Colombia, expressed, "The exchange of knowledge and experiences with young people who stand out for their leadership and work with an impact on society is essential to know the vision of these generations with respect to the country's future, in this case, focused on the post-conflict". 

Cristian Asinelli, CAF's Director of Institutional Development, who led the meeting, highlighted the importance of the diversity of opinions as an essential reflection factor. "This initiative that we are developing with young people from the social, economic, and academic sectors, contributes to the debate on ideas that may be carried out in each country where CAF plays a relevant role". 

The meeting included the participation of General Oscar Naranjo, Advising Minister for the Post-Conflict, Human Rights, and Security, who used his experience to reflect on the ethics and behavior of human beings as instruments for the generation of a leadership inspired on trust. 

Among the invited speakers was Paula Moreno, former Minister of Culture and President of the Manos Visibles (Visible Hands) Corporation, whose main message mas focused on the kind of leadership needed by the country to make future changes. 

At the same time, Alejandro Santos, Director of the Semana Magazine, emphasized that young people must integrate technologies not only for the generation of wealth but also to help in the construction of the social weave. Santos highlighted the importance of respect for pluralism and understanding of the historical context in which Colombia is living to face the construction of peace and the post-conflict, as essential elements of leadership.  

Carlos Vasquez, Director of Corporate Citizenship at Microsoft, stated that an essential development issue is to understand technology as a catalyzer for the country, as a tool to achieve the aspired goals, peace being one of them. 

After the discussion between speakers and those who attended the meeting, young poeple had some time for networking, so they could meet each other and talk in-depth about their projects and establish contacts.