SIPA: School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

SIPA's Center for International Conflict Resolution Partners with Colombian Singer Juanes

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Juanes' Mi Sangre Foundation has partnered with the Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR) to create a campaign for nonviolence in the singer's home country of Colombia. The goal of this campaign is to formulate innovative solutions that will bring peace to the people of Colombia, who desire an end to the violence from guerillas and paramilitaries. CICR director, Aldo Civico, says the program could involve a partnership between other universities and non-governmental organizations. Civico will introduce Juanes to experienced peace moderators who have worked on CICR projects in the past.

Juanes met with Sen. George Mitchell on Friday, March 7, for a "private lecture" in conflict resolution organized by CICR. Sen. Mitchell, pictured with Juanes and CICR director Civico, shared with Juanes his experience as mediator in Northern Ireland and advised the artist about the role he can play for peace in Colombia. Both Civico and Juanes hope that new creative solutions will start a path to peace.