The Australian Colombian Business Council (ACBC) is honoured to highlight the exceptional contributions of our board member, General Alberto Mejía, in advancing peace-building initiatives worldwide. General Mejía, a prominent figure in Colombia’s peace process, recently led a thought-provoking session at King’s College London. This event, titled “Peace & Conflict in Colombia,” attracted significant interest from the academic and business communities, who were eager to understand Colombia’s peace journey and the role of the military in supporting it. We thank General Mejía for his continued commitment to fostering global understanding and contributing to sustainable peace, inspiring the Colombian and Australian business communities alike.
Colombia’s Path to Peace: Insights from General Alberto Mejía
Colombia’s 2016 Peace Accords with the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) marked a critical turning point in the country’s history, ending a 50-year conflict and ushering in an era of peace and rebuilding. General Mejía, who served as Commander of the Colombian Army (2015-2017) and Commander-General of the Military Forces (2017-2018), played a transformative role in Colombia’s military forces during this period. Under his leadership, the military reoriented its mission to support peace initiatives, including the demobilisation, disarmament, and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants.
At the fireside chat, moderated by Dr. Eleonora Natale and PhD candidate Raphael Lima, General Mejía shared invaluable perspectives on leadership during times of change. The event emphasised how Colombia’s military forces have evolved to support national peace efforts while also partnering with NATO, marking Colombia as NATO’s first Latin American Partner for Peace. This shift highlights the importance of collaboration and the adaptability required to transition from conflict to peace, offering relevant lessons for international businesses and policymakers.
Fostering Global Peace Through Collaboration with InterMediate
In addition to his insights at King’s College, General Mejía’s visit included a significant collaboration with InterMediate, a charity specialising in mediation and negotiation for complex, high-stakes conflicts. Founded by Jonathan Powell, former UK chief negotiator for the Northern Ireland peace process, and Martin Griffiths, founder of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Geneva, InterMediate tackles challenging conflicts where traditional approaches may not succeed.
During this visit, General Mejía engaged with Powell and other leading experts, sharing experiences from Colombia’s peace process. This dialogue between experienced leaders in negotiation reinforces the shared commitment to innovative solutions for global conflict resolution—an alignment that holds valuable insights for businesses seeking stability and security in regions affected by historical conflict.
Valuable Lessons for the Australian-Colombian Business Community
The fireside chat and discussions with InterMediate underscore General Mejía’s dedication to peace-building, which extends beyond Colombia to inspire peace, stability, and resilience globally. This commitment has valuable implications for the Australian-Colombian business community, fostering a better understanding of the conditions that contribute to sustainable peace—a key factor for companies and investors operating in post-conflict regions. The ACBC is proud to support and promote such insightful engagements that strengthen ties between Colombia and Australia.
As General Mejía continues his work, he leaves a legacy of resilience, adaptability, and innovation in peace-building. The Australian Colombian Business Council deeply appreciates his efforts and is committed to supporting peace initiatives that benefit both the Colombian and Australian communities, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.
Key Takeaways for Businesses Interested in Colombia’s Peace Process
- Strategic Peace-Building: General Mejía’s insights into Colombia’s peace process reveal the critical role that adaptable and forward-thinking leadership plays in transitioning from conflict to peace.
- Global Peace Partnerships: Collaborations with organisations like InterMediate demonstrate the importance of strategic partnerships in peace-building, underscoring the benefits for businesses and governments alike.
- Australian-Colombian Relations: ACBC continues to support discussions that foster understanding between Colombia and Australia, creating new opportunities for businesses interested in markets impacted by peace efforts.
This event serves as a valuable example of how international collaboration and peace-building efforts are essential not only for national stability but also for global economic and social development.