The forthcoming summit between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and EU member states, scheduled for Santa Marta, Colombia on November 9 and 10, occurs at a challenging juncture for global governance, international security, and climate action.
The rules-based international framework is severely strained. Widespread conflict, far from being quelled under the Trump Administration’s doctrine of “peace through strength,” has become the norm in most regions, notably the Middle East. And while the world ought to be accelerating decarbonization, climate progress has significantly regressed.
These are concerning trends, yet CELAC and EU nations are dedicated and possess the means to address these challenges effectively. While the U.S. government may have distanced itself from the global migration challenge and the climate crisis, our respective countries have not.
As I co-chair this year’s summit alongside the President of the European Council, António Costa, a spirit of optimism and unity, in contrast to denialism and divisiveness, must permeate the discussions. CELAC and the EU collectively account for over 30% of global GDP. We are not easily swayed or insignificant entities. We must stand firm against the impending storm.
The protection of the environment and indigenous populations has been a cornerstone of my administration and an enduring commitment. For this reason, my government has refrained from issuing a single new license for oil and gas exploration. Solar and wind energy now comprise over 25% of total electricity production in Colombia, an increase from 1.5% in 2022. A proud moment of my presidency was signing a decree that codified the rights of indigenous communities in the environmental governance of their regions.
This Colombian government recognizes, much like our European counterparts, that we must prioritize human life over fossil fuel interests. It is a preposterous misconception that the burning of fossil fuels is inexpensive. To believe this is to undervalue the existence of billions of people—both current and future generations—in the Global South.
My pursuit of a more just world—where life is precious, not cheap—remains unwavering despite the recent attacks by the U.S. government on my presidency and nation. President Donald Trump labeled me as an “illegal-drug leader” on October 19. He condemned me and has threatened to cease assistance to the Colombians who continue to battle bravely against the pernicious narcotics trade.
Colombia denounces these baseless accusations from one of our valued economic, diplomatic, and cultural allies—whose citizens we consider friends—and I regard the illogical actions taken against me as opportunistic political maneuvers. Ultimately, the truth will prevail.
My administration, in reality, has achieved unprecedented cocaine confiscations. Government security forces confiscated 1,500 tons of cocaine between August 2022 and November 2024, followed by a further 800 tons between January and August 2025. Under my policy of Total Peace, our efforts to bring criminal groups to justice continue. This is a considerable challenge, considering that the criminals’ bank accounts and arsenals are financed by the proceeds of 25 million cocaine users in the West.
The support of the U.S. government was vital to this endeavor. Regardless of the stance of the current administration, I will continue to maintain a comprehensive counter-narcotics and security strategy that is beneficial to both Colombian and American citizens. To compensate for the shortfall in assistance, cooperation with our EU partners and others against the global drug trade will be increasingly critical.
Between 2021 and 2024, the EU contributed €200 million in financial aid for Colombia via its Neighborhood, Development, and International Cooperation mechanism. The bloc acknowledges that my government’s approach to the drugs trade and crime, founded upon the peace process, regional growth, and a blend of enforcement with harm reduction strategies, is the appropriate and equitable one.
The notorious “war on drugs” has failed. To tackle the present difficulties, a nuanced strategy is required, based on the fundamental tenet of respect for human rights, as reaffirmed by the UN Human Rights Commission at Colombia’s request in July 2023. What’s more, actions such as the excessive use of force, like that used in drone strikes directed at vulnerable mariners in the Caribbean, violates international human rights agreements.
Let us be courageous in our convictions. The interests of humanity are most effectively advanced through collaboration, not an antagonistic policy aiming to compartmentalize the world into divided zones of influence, dominated by contemporary colonial powers. Colombia, with our commitment to tolerance and advancement, will always be on the correct position in this emerging dichotomy.
