RETURN OF COLOMBIA TO UNASUR: A NEW BEGINNING FOR REGIONAL INTEGRATION

On December 6, 2023, the president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, announced the country's return to the Union of South American Nations (Unasur). The decision was made during the summit of South American leaders convened by the president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The return of Colombia to Unasur is an important event for regional integration. The country is one of the founding members of the organization and its absence during the last five years has been an obstacle to its development.

The context of the return

Colombia's decision to return to Unasur is part of the Petro government's new foreign policy approach. The Colombian president has expressed his commitment to regional integration and has indicated that Unasur is a key tool to promote cooperation and development in South America.

Colombia's return to Unasur also occurs in a context of growing interest in regional integration in South America. The rise to power of progressive leaders in several countries in the region, such as Lula da Silva in Brazil, Gabriel Boric in Chile and Xiomara Castro in Honduras, has fueled the debate on the need to strengthen regional cooperation.

The benefits of return

Colombia's return to Unasur offers a series of benefits for the country and the region. For Colombia, participation in Unasur represents an opportunity to strengthen its cooperation with other South American countries. The country can benefit from cooperation programs in areas such as education, health, culture and economic development.

For the region, Colombia's return to Unasur is an important step to strengthen regional integration. The country is a key actor in South America and its participation in Unasur can help promote cooperation and development in the region.

The challenges to overcome

Colombia's return to Unasur is not without challenges. The country has to overcome the mistrust that was generated during his absence from the organization. Furthermore, Colombia has to work to find a meeting point with the other Unasur member countries, which have different visions on regional integration.

Despite the challenges, Colombia's return to Unasur is an opportunity to strengthen regional integration. The country can play an important role in promoting cooperation and development in South America.

The specific challenges faced by Unasur

Unasur faces a series of challenges, among which are:

The lack of consensus on the organization's objectives and priorities.
The economic crisis in several member countries.
The growing influence of foreign powers in the region.

These challenges can make Unasur's work difficult and limit its ability to promote regional integration.

Colombia's role in Unasur

Colombia can play an important role in overcoming the challenges facing Unasur. The country can contribute to:

Foster consensus on the organization's objectives and priorities.
Support cooperation in areas of common interest for member countries.
Promote the defense of the sovereignty and independence of the countries of the region.

Colombia's return to Unasur is an opportunity for the country to contribute to the construction of a more united, prosperous and fair South America.