The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) (COLOMBIA)
OVERVIEW
The goal of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s work in Colombia is to develop a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous country through inclusive governance and equitable growth. Although Colombia is characterized as a middle-income country, there are actually two Colombias: a prosperous and bustling Colombia in a half-dozen urban centers, and a rural and conflict-affected Colombia plagued by insecurity and illicit economies. To address these challenges, USAID partners with community, public, and private actors to: 1) develop a more cohesive and inclusive society resilient to conflict; 2) strengthen governance to meet citizen needs and increase citizen confidence in the state; 3) promote equitable and environmentally sustainable economic growth; and 4) enhance stability in areas impacted by migration from Venezuela. More information about USAID’s development objectives in Colombia can be found in the 2020-2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS).
FOCUS AREAS
PEACEBUILDING AND GOVERNANCE
USAID/Colombia works with community, public, and private actors to extend peace and effective state presence to conflict-affected communities. USAID’s Peacebuilding and Governance Office (PGO) focuses on the social and economic inclusion of marginalized populations, including youth, women, Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Peoples, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community. PGO also strengthens the Colombian Government’s capacities to provide essential goods and services, like health, education and tertiary roads, and to respond to citizen needs, like human rights and justice access.
SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEMS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
USAID/Colombia reduces environmental threats and promotes environmentally sustainable, licit economic opportunities. To this end, USAID’s Sustainable Ecosystems and Economic Development Office (SEED) addresses key challenges related to economic growth and climate change in Colombia. SEED’s work includes: 1) strengthening rural producers and value chains; 2) improving productivity and market access; 3) increasing individual and business access to financial services, including climate finance; 4) promoting equitable and secure land tenure; and 5) enabling climate adaptation and environmental conservation.
VENEZUELAN RESPONSE AND INTEGRATION
USAID/Colombia helps the Colombian Government address increasing migration from Venezuela. USAID’s Venezuelan Response and Integration Office (VRIO) promotes the social and economic integration of Venezuelan migrants and Colombian returnees into Colombian society, and it works in coordination with civil society organizations, government agencies, and international donors to address the needs of migrants, returnees, and host communities, like improved healthcare access. VRIO also works with government agencies to develop a comprehensive policy response to migration.
TRANSITION INITIATIVES
USAID/Colombia works with the Colombian Government to foster sustainable and inclusive peace. Through its Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), USAID helps implement the 2016 Peace Accord between the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). OTI helps implement the Peace Accord by facilitating the Colombian Government’s financial contribution to peacebuilding initiatives, and by encouraging communities’ ownership and leadership of Peace Accord implementation at the local level.
