Cartagena de Indias is, during this week, the venue of the Annual Conference and XVII General Assembly of the Latin American Association of Training Centers for Peace Operations –ALCOPAZ-, an international event that brings together delegations of the full member countries — Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru — and of the observer members: the United States, France, Canada and Germany. The main purpose is to strengthen cooperation and specialized training in peace operations.
The opening ceremony was presided over by the President Pro Tempore of ALCOPAZ, Major General of Navy Infantry Adolfo Enrique Hernández Ruíz, Commander of the Navy Infantry of the Colombian Navy, accompanied by Rear Admiral Carlos Hernando Oramas Maldonado, Commander of the Caribbean Naval Force, and representatives of international organizations. During the opening ceremony, the importance of consolidating strategic alliances to face current global challenges was highlighted.
In the same way, the role of Colombia as a country working for regional stability and with an active and constant participation in peace missions was highlighted. Throughout the event, attendees will hold conferences, specialized panels and activities aimed at the use of new technologies implemented in peacekeeping, in order to optimize resources, instruction and training. Similarly, academic spaces on gender integration will be held, in which topics related to the Peace Agreement, the prevention of gender-based violence and the promotion of more inclusive military operation environments will be addressed.
This meeting consolidates as a fundamental space for the exchange of knowledge and for the strengthening of the resources of the military operation that leads to a coordinated response to the present and future challenges in the field of peacekeeping.
It should be noted that, in November 2024, Colombia proudly assumed the Pro Tempore Presidency of ALCOPAZ, leading an association composed of 12 countries that works with excellence in training for peacekeeping missions. Through the Training and Instruction Center for Peace Operations – CEPAZ-, at the Navy Infantry Training Base in Coveñas, the Colombian Navy has promoted a process of transformation and strengthening of regional leadership.
By December 2024 and February 2025, a comprehensive strategic plan was consolidated that outlined the roadmap for a year of intense academic activity, international cooperation and resource development, projecting Colombia as a Latin American benchmark in training for peace operations.
The Colombian Navy reaffirms its commitment to international cooperation, peace building and high-level training, always at the service of global community.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
