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Rotary-led peacebuilding program to help strengthen communities affected by conflict in Colombia

Rotary’s ‘Pathways to Peace and Prosperity in Colombia’ program will strengthen local leadership, expand access to social protection, and create entrepreneurial opportunities

Bogota, Colombia (June 24, 2025) — In communities long affected by armed conflict, poverty, and forced displacement, thousands of families across Colombia continue to face food insecurity, social exclusion, and limited economic opportunity.

In response to these persistent challenges, Rotary International, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), has launched a US$3 million initiative — the first of its kind in the country – that integrates peacebuilding, social protection, and economic empowerment. Rotary is contributing US$2 million, with an additional US$1 million being contributed by World Food Program USA.

By equipping local leaders with tools for conflict resolution and economic self-reliance, this joint initiative aims to transform the social fabric of communities in Cúcuta, Buenaventura, Banco de Arena, and Dagua. Rotary members, WFP experts and technical advisors will collaborate with local government to strengthen long-term resilience through locally driven solutions that address the root causes of violence and exclusion.

The program aims to:

  • establish four community-based peace hubs to empower victims of armed conflict through peace education, conflict resolution training, and socioeconomic support;
  • train 1,000 individuals in conflict resolution, leadership, and community mobilization;
  • empower 700 individuals — especially women and youth — with entrepreneurship training and seed capital to launch sustainable micro-enterprises;
  • ensure that the target areas gain access to Colombia’s SISBEN (System for Identifying Potential Beneficiaries of Social Programs) by establishing four ‘One-Stop Service Windows’ – community-based access points where residents can receive guidance and support to register for SISBEN and other public services.

“In communities like mine, peace is not just a dream — it’s a daily struggle. I’ve seen families flee violence with nothing but hope, and young people lose faith in a future they can’t see. This project is our chance to change that. By building peace from the ground up — with dignity, opportunity, and trust — we are planting the seeds of transformation that will grow for generations,” said Gladys Maldonado, Rotary leader and coordinator of the Colombia peacebuilding initiative.

Across Colombia, Rotary clubs have led peacebuilding efforts in communities deeply affected by armed conflict. In Medellín, over 3,000 students and 1,600 teachers have been trained in conflict prevention. In Quindío and Neiva, projects have empowered youth and promoted reconciliation in areas once marked by violence. These local actions laid the groundwork for Rotary’s first large-scale peace and development program in the country.

‘Pathways to Peace and Prosperity in Colombia’ is Rotary’s fifth Programs of Scale recipient — an annual competitive grant process that awards US$2 million to an evidence-based program that aligns with one of Rotary’s causes and has the capability for scaling-up to help more people. The programs are sponsored by Rotary members in collaboration with local communities and partner organizations.

“Congratulations to the members of the Rotary Club of Cúcuta and their partners for their bold vision to build peace where it’s needed most. By empowering communities affected by conflict with tools for healing, leadership, and opportunity, they are not only restoring hope — they are rewriting the future,” said Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick. “This is what Rotary does best: turning compassion into action, and action into lasting change.”

Rotary members throughout the world develop and implement sustainable, community-driven projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, help mothers and children, grow local economies and protect the environment. Over the last 100 years, US $5.5 billion has been awarded through The Rotary Foundation – Rotary’s charitable arm that helps clubs work together to perform meaningful, impactful service. 

Rotary’s partner for this project is the Nobel Peace Prize-winning World Food Programme (WFP), a leading humanitarian organization operating in over 120 countries and territories. WFP saves lives during emergencies and provides food assistance to help communities recover from conflict, natural disasters, and the effects of climate change—paving the way toward peace, stability, and prosperity.

Nils Grede, WFP Country Director and Representative in Colombia said, “We are proud to partner with Rotary on this groundbreaking initiative to bring peace and opportunity to communities that have endured decades of violence and displacement. In regions such as Catatumbo and Buenaventura, access to basic services can mean the difference between hope and despair. By combining Rotary’s grassroots leadership with WFP’s presence in high-risk areas, we are building bridges where there were once barriers—and helping thousands of families reclaim their future.”

Rotary and Partner Quotes

Mark Daniel Maloney, Chair of The Rotary Foundation Trustees said, “This program represents the very heart of Rotary’s mission — empowering communities to rebuild from the ground up. In Colombia, where conflict has fractured lives for generations, Rotary is investing not only in peace, but in the systems that sustain it: education, economic opportunity, and access to essential services. It’s a bold, strategic step toward lasting change — and a powerful example of what happens when local leadership meets global partnership.”

Barron Segar, World Food Program USA President and CEO said, “In places where conflict has silenced opportunity, WFP and Rotary are amplifying voices of resilience. Together, they are reaching communities others cannot — and building pathways to peace through trust, dignity, and access to essential services. Peace is not delivered — it’s co-created. This partnership is empowering communities to lead their own transformation, with WFP’s reach and Rotary’s roots working hand in hand. World Food Program USA is proud to provide $1 million in matching funds to help Rotary and WFP scale further, faster to build peace in Colombia.”

About Rotary: Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 45,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

CONTACT: 
Rotary: Franciane Gava, +55 11 9 7224.4454, franciane.gava@rotary.org

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