Colombia and IDB sign citizen security agreement

BOGOTÁ, Colombia ― Colombia and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) signed an agreement to transfer know-how on violence prevention and on improving citizen security in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno and Colombian Foreign Minister María Angela Holguín. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzón were present as witnesses of honor.

The signing took place at the close of the International Congress on Citizen Security for Local Authorities: Citizen Security is Everyone’s Responsibility.

The event was organized by the Colombian Ministry of Defense, the National Police, and the IDB, and was attended by mayors, governors, members of the National Police, researchers, and academics. Its objective was to strengthen the capacity of regional authorities to effectively meet security challenges.

Building on Colombia’s experience in violence prevention and reduction, the IDB and Colombia will collaborate on programs to strengthen public institutions and rehabilitate persons in conflict with the law, among other actions.

The agreement will help identify public entities that can contribute to knowledge sharing and foster further South-South cooperation.

The agreement is for five years, with an option to renew.