Report on 14th Annual International Conference, Bogotà, Colombia, 2009
The conference began on Monday 26th January, and Pastor Wes Richards from the UK once again had the honour of greeting the President of Colombia, Álvaro Uribe, in front of 16,000 people gathered at the El-Campin Coliseum.
Noting that after many years of suffering from terrorism and drug cartels, Colombia has begun to experience change. He said, 'Your resolute leadership has been central in stemming a floodtide of lawlessness. You have also given your countrymen and women real hope for a brighter, more prosperous and peaceful future,' noting that 'Colombia has become a model for countries seeking reconciliation and the establishment of a society based on respect for human dignity.'
President Uribe thanked Pastor Richards, 'for your affection for Colombia and your commitment to our nation,' and asked him to help highlight the progress that Colombia is making. 'In the past, there was a year when 256 union workers were assassinated, in 2008 this was reduced to 36, but with 140 terrorists put in jail - Pastor Richards, help us to communicate this.'
Since elected in 2002, security has improved greatly with kidnappings down more than 80 percent, terror attacks down by more than 75 percent and the murder rate is down 40 percent. In July 2008, the French-Colombian politician, Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans were freed from more than five years of captivity, following a daring mission by Colombia's special forces. President Uribe was recently award the American Presidential Medal of Freedom for his service to Colombia.
- Download President Uribe's full speech. [PDF document]
- Watch the video highlights from day 1 of the conference on YouTube.