Colombians' participation in the peace process with the ELN is ready

After two days of work in the fifth plenary session of the National Participation Committee, the two parties believe that the design of this strategy is continuing with a detailed timetable for holding 26 meetings that seek to reach the entire national territory.

The meetings will be held from this month until next May, in addition to further definitions of the education strategy and its implementation methodology.

About 76 representatives from 30 sectors of society, who participated in this plenary session, ratified the commitment to what is considered the core of this peace process.

Representatives of civil society organizations and operations have advanced in defining the tasks necessary to determine the participation of Colombian society at the dialogue table between the Government of Colombia and the ELN.

A women's group has also been formed to participate, which will ensure inclusion and proper treatment of gender issues.

Regarding the methodology, it was decided that it would be flexible and adaptable to the realities of each region, to the forms of governance of local communities, and to women and other population groups, in order to ensure participation.

In addition, important discussions and ideas took place regarding the description of the topic of participation, the two parties indicated in a joint statement.

Education for Peace, one of the relevant points of the agreements identified in this plenary session, seeks to highlight the importance of the process so that Colombian society in general understands what is happening at the dialogue table and feels involved.

In the next three months, meetings will be held in Boga, Zipaquera, Puerto Berrio, Aguachica, Neiva, Cúcuta and Leticia, among other cities.

The goal is to expand the participation of the Colombian community in the regions in the conversation about the peace process, its understanding of the regional processes, the national participation network, as well as in the model, plan and pedagogy.

The plenary session was accompanied by representatives of the UN mission, the Episcopal Conference, and the accompanying group of countries for support and cooperation.

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