Sesión 8. La ciudad en paz: ¿Cómo avanzar?

Introduction to the Session

Overview of the Thematic Session

• The session is the eighth thematic meeting of the Chair on Citizenship, Integrity, and Fight Against Corruption.

• Participants include public officials, social organization members from Colombia and Central America, and students from various university campuses.

Guest Speakers Introduction

Notable Guests for Today's Discussion

• Three exceptional guests are introduced: Ana Barrero Tiscar (Spain), Alicia Cabezaudo (Argentina), and Joh Ja Uribe (Colombia).

• Each guest will have 25 minutes for their presentations followed by a dialogue with attendees.

Ana Barrero's Presentation

Contextualizing Peace in Urban Spaces

• Ana Barrero expresses gratitude for being invited to discuss "The City in Peace: How to Advance." She emphasizes cities as constructed spaces that reflect evolving social relationships.

• Cities serve as microcosms of opportunities and tensions, highlighting their role in local governance and community dynamics.

Cities as Global Actors

The Role of Cities in Addressing Global Issues

• Cities are increasingly recognized internationally for their capacity to lead initiatives addressing global challenges like environmental issues, migration, poverty, inequality, racism, and violence.

• Urban areas face both local and global forms of violence influenced by factors such as economic conditions and armed conflicts affecting migration patterns.

Sustainable Development Goals Connection

Linking Urban Development with Global Goals

• The UN Agenda 2030 includes SDG 11 (making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, sustainable) and SDG 16 (promoting just societies). These goals are interconnected through urban development strategies aimed at fostering peace culture.

• Cities must create environments where diverse populations can coexist peacefully while addressing inequalities based on gender, age, health status, income level, nationality or ethnicity.

Rights within Urban Spaces

Ensuring Equality in City Life

• Every individual has the right to live in a city that respects diversity without discrimination based on various personal attributes or circumstances.

• Emphasizes that urban life should cater to all citizens' needs while ensuring safety and inclusivity amidst diversity.

Promoting Peace in Urban Environments

The Role of Cities in Fostering Peace

• The concept of peaceful coexistence, collective development, and solidarity is emphasized; cities should be viewed as homes free from violence, focused on education for peaceful conflict resolution.

Bottom-Up and Top-Down Approaches

• Effective peace promotion requires addressing daily living conditions (bottom-up) while also designing structural frameworks and policies at various levels (top-down).

Understanding Violence in Urban Contexts

• Cities are microcosms reflecting broader societal issues, where various forms of violence threaten individual and community well-being.

Human Capacities and Education's Impact

• Human capabilities can either lead to violence or foster justice based on educational structures; emotional and rational education is crucial for developing attitudes conducive to peace.

Distinguishing Between Aggression, Conflict, and Violence

• It’s essential to differentiate aggression (individual response), conflict (incompatible goals), and violence (socially complex condition); this distinction helps maintain hope that violence isn't humanity's inevitable fate.

Nature of Aggression and Its Socialization

• Aggression arises from perceived threats but can be educated through socialization; it does not always manifest as violence.

Complexity of Violence

• Violence encompasses a range of damaging actions that hinder individuals or groups from reaching their full potential; understanding its complexity is vital for addressing urban conflicts.

Conflict Dynamics

• Conflicts arise when multiple parties pursue incompatible objectives—these can be tangible (economic interests) or intangible (cultural values).

Importance of Addressing Conflict Without Equating It to Violence

• Equating conflict with violence leads to a fatalistic view that undermines efforts toward education aimed at fostering a culture of peace.

Tools for Non-Violent Conflict Resolution

• Citizens need training in nonviolent methods to address frustrations and conflicts effectively; cultivating peace requires ongoing effort akin to nurturing a garden.

Cultivating a Culture of Peace

• A culture of peace must be actively developed through personal attitudes and public policies across various community settings like schools, parks, etc.

Conditions Necessary for Peace

• True peace involves eliminating undesirable conditions such as hunger or inequality while ensuring access to dignified work, housing, health care, and quality education.

Security vs. Peace: A Growing Concern

• There’s an increasing trend to prioritize security over genuine peace; traditional notions equate security with military strength rather than addressing human needs directly related to vulnerability.

The Role of Cities in Promoting Peace and Well-being

Importance of Safe and Inclusive Urban Spaces

• Emphasizes the need for cities to serve as spaces of peace, accommodating various initiatives and actors that address community needs.

• Highlights the creation of safe, inclusive, accessible, and green public spaces that foster social interaction and collective well-being.

Cities as Catalysts for Reconciliation

• Discusses how urban environments can facilitate shared memories and reconciliation among conflicting parties by recognizing diverse perspectives on past violence.

• Describes cities as welcoming spaces for individuals displaced by war or environmental crises, stressing the importance of integrating these populations into society.

Addressing Urban Conflicts through Dialogue

• Acknowledges the prevalence of various conflicts within urban settings but asserts that they do not have to escalate into violence; promotes a culture of peace through dialogue.

• Advocates for managing dissent rather than seeking consensus, emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse thoughts and lifestyles.

Municipal Policies for Peacebuilding

• Urges local governments to implement policies that prevent violence while promoting peaceful conflict resolution strategies.

• Introduces a local agenda for peace developed in collaboration with academic institutions aimed at diagnosing urban violence.

Methodology for Diagnosing Violence in Cities

• Outlines a participatory approach to diagnose various forms of violence present in urban areas, identifying causes and potential interventions.

• Stresses the necessity for broad participation from civil society organizations, academia, and citizens in understanding urban challenges related to violence.

Engaging Communities in Solutions

• Highlights the importance of listening to community members' insights when designing strategies for social change based on their lived experiences.

Conclusions and Recommendations for Local Action Plans

Analyzing Information for Action Plans

• The process of developing a diagnosis involves analyzing collected information to propose conclusions and recommendations aimed at creating local action plans to address violence and conflicts in specific cities.

Establishing Programs and Policies

• Local action plans should focus on establishing programs, policies, and actions that prevent urban violence, moving beyond mere punishment to address root causes.

Addressing Inequality as a Critical Challenge

• Global forums highlight that inequality is a critical issue contributing to various forms of violence; addressing these disparities is essential for fostering positive coexistence in urban areas.

Implementing Participatory Programs

• It is crucial to formulate and implement concrete programs aimed at reducing inequalities through participatory approaches involving community input.

Role of Local Governments in Mediation

• Local governments can act as catalysts for dialogue by establishing mediation instruments and educational initiatives that promote nonviolent conflict resolution among all stakeholders.

Promoting Human Rights and Sustainability

Addressing Economic and Environmental Crises

• Cities must implement concrete programs ensuring access to housing, dignified work, social rights, and climate crisis mitigation strategies while promoting social economy initiatives.

Fostering Active Participation in Urban Spaces

• Municipalities should encourage active citizen participation in decision-making processes related to planning and policy monitoring, enhancing local governance.

Inclusion of Excluded Groups

• Efforts must be made to include minorities and traditionally excluded groups through affirmative policies that enhance their participation at the local level.

Education as a Tool Against Violence

Cultivating a Culture of Peace

• Municipalities are key players in promoting peace education across formal, informal, and non-formal settings while integrating conflict resolution training into broader educational frameworks.

Establishing Preventive Policies

• Concrete preventive policies should be developed to preemptively address potential violent conflicts by identifying early warning signs before they escalate into violence.

Direct Actions Post-Violence

Reversing Structural Causes of Violence

• After incidents of violence occur, it’s vital to implement political actions aimed at reversing the structural conditions identified during the diagnostic phase that contribute to such violence.

Support for Victims

• Palliative measures must be established to support victims suffering from various forms of violence while ensuring ongoing evaluation of implemented action plans.

Monitoring Implementation Effectiveness

Creating Follow-Up Mechanisms

• A follow-up system with clear timelines should be established alongside committees responsible for monitoring the implementation of local action plans using measurable indicators.

Resource Allocation for Peacebuilding

Agenda for Peace and Coexistence

Overview of the Proposal

• The proposal aims to guide municipalities in implementing a peace and coexistence agenda tailored to various realities and contexts, with diagnostics informing the plan.

• A brief description of eight identified types of violence is provided, which encompass most forms of violence present in municipalities.

Identified Types of Violence

• The first type includes forced migrations and displacements, with proposals made for prevention through policy measures.

• Economic, social, cultural, and socio-spatial inequalities are recognized as significant forms of violence that need addressing.

• Intolerance towards diversity (racism, xenophobia, homophobia) is highlighted as a relevant issue requiring contextual understanding and preventive measures.

Specific Forms of Violence Addressed

• Political violence and violent extremism are discussed alongside gender-based violence, emphasizing the need for dedicated focus on these issues.

• Corruption's role in perpetuating various forms of violence is acknowledged; interpersonal violence is also included in this analysis.

Governance for Peaceful Cities

• The proposal advocates for efficient local governance focused on creating just and peaceful living conditions through urban policies centered on education, democracy, human rights, and community care.

• Municipalities must provide alternative responses that contribute to peaceful conflict transformation and eradication of all manifestations of violence.

Importance of Local Action

• Building peaceful cities is framed as an essential challenge for municipal governance; it emphasizes inclusivity by ensuring no one is left behind.

Key Insights from Discussion

Distinction Between Concepts

• A critical distinction between aggression, violence, and conflict is emphasized as vital for understanding their dynamics constructively or destructively.

Experiences Shared

• Valuable experiences regarding peace agendas implemented collaboratively are shared; they focus on identifying underlying factors contributing to violence.

Tools for Cultivating Peace

• Discussion highlights tools available to effectively cultivate peace within communities based on participatory processes aimed at preventing or repairing diverse forms of violence.

Introduction to Professor Alicia Cabezudo

Background Information

Introduction to Peace Education and Urban Development

Overview of the Speaker's Background

• The speaker, Professor Liisa, has extensive experience in education for peace, democracy, citizenship, and human rights over the past 25 years.

• She has worked with social leaders, educators, and public servants across Latin America and Europe.

Presentation Setup

• The speaker begins her presentation but encounters technical issues with her microphone.

• After resolving the issue, she expresses gratitude for being part of a panel discussing important themes related to peacebuilding and citizenship.

The Role of Cities in Peacebuilding

Importance of Urban Context

• The speaker emphasizes the critical role cities play in constructing peace and fostering a culture of peace.

• She distinguishes between the concepts of "city" and "peace," highlighting their interconnection within urban settings.

Urban Characteristics Impacting Policy

• Understanding urban characteristics is essential for local governments when formulating public policies aimed at peacebuilding.

• Many public policy formulas may not be effective if they do not consider specific cultural or geographical contexts.

Cultural Considerations in Public Policies

Need for Contextualized Approaches

• Policies must respect local realities; what works in one context may fail in another due to differing cultural or political dynamics.

• The concept of "educating cities" promotes urban pedagogy that supports peace initiatives tailored to local needs.

Challenges with Imported Models

• The speaker reflects on her experiences as director of an international association where imported models from European cities often did not yield expected results in Latin American contexts.

Dynamic Nature of Cities

Continuous Evolution

• Cities are described as dynamic structures that require ongoing adaptation within public policies to remain relevant and effective.

Educational Spaces Within Urban Environments

Educational Spaces and Urban Pedagogy

The Role of Local Government in Education

• Local governments are responsible for public policies, collaborating with social organizations, foundations, and movements to utilize urban spaces as educational environments.

Urban Pedagogy and Peacebuilding

• Urban pedagogy is crucial for peacebuilding; often cities rely solely on formal education settings for teaching purposes.

Limitations of Formal Education

• The formal education system is frequently not the most suitable environment for peace education activities, despite its structured nature.

Underutilization of Educational Scenarios

• Many educational scenarios within cities are underutilized; parks, plazas, and streets can serve as classrooms for peacebuilding initiatives.

Integrative Public Policy Approach

Understanding Peacebuilding in Urban Contexts

The Role of Local Government in Peace Initiatives

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of local government commitment to peace, suggesting that a pedagogical analysis is necessary for understanding public policies related to peace.

• A presentation is outlined, focusing on how cities can advance towards peace, with six main presentations planned, including a final synthesis.

• The speaker identifies their role as an educator and advocate for public policies aimed at local peacebuilding efforts.

Conceptual Foundations of Peace

• Citing UNESCO's founding document, the speaker highlights that wars originate in human minds; thus, building peace must also start there.

• The discussion includes the idea that humanity has created war as a means of power dynamics and questions why this same capacity isn't used to foster peace.

Security vs. Peace: A Critical Examination

• The speaker challenges local authorities on their focus on security measures (e.g., police presence and military equipment), arguing these do not equate to true peacebuilding.

• There’s a call for mayors and local governments to reconsider their strategies by prioritizing education and peaceful coexistence over militarized approaches.

Community Needs and Misconceptions about Safety

• Communities are depicted as desiring educational opportunities and tools for conflict resolution rather than increased police presence or security measures.

• The notion that safety equates to peace is critiqued; instead, the need for community engagement in peaceful activities is emphasized.

Principles for Effective Public Policies on Peace

• The speaker introduces key principles necessary for developing effective public policies aimed at fostering urban peace.

• It’s noted that both formal and non-formal education systems should be utilized in promoting education for peace within local governance structures.

Positive Peace vs. Negative Peace

• A distinction between positive and negative concepts of peace is made; negative peace refers merely to the absence of violence while positive peace involves addressing conflicts constructively.

• Positive conflict management is framed as an opportunity for transformation rather than simply viewing conflict through a lens of violence.

Resistance to New Concepts in Governance

Transforming Public Policies for Peace

Theoretical Framework and Context

• The speaker emphasizes the need to structure public policies based on Johan Galtung's theory, focusing on both formal and non-formal educational scenarios.

• Introduces the concept of "positive peace," which involves not just reducing violence but actively building peace through various policy elements.

Building Peace Beyond Conflict Resolution

• Asserts that true peace is constructed after conflict resolution, requiring solidarity and cooperation in urban spaces.

• Highlights shortcomings in local governments' approaches to peacebuilding, often relying on traditional education methods rather than innovative pedagogical strategies.

Pedagogical Approaches to Peace Education

• Critiques the reliance on conventional training systems for teachers and parents, advocating for a critical pedagogy inspired by Paulo Freire.

• Stresses the importance of contextualized curriculum design in peace education, encouraging community involvement in shaping educational content.

Community Involvement and Role Reversal

• Advocates for participatory and democratic pedagogies where community members become educators, reversing traditional roles between government officials and citizens.

• Suggests that local residents possess valuable insights into their needs, urging governments to listen more effectively to these voices.

Dynamic Nature of Peacebuilding

• Emphasizes that peace education must be transformative, addressing underlying issues rather than merely mitigating violence.

• Discusses the complexity of urban environments in Latin America, where multiple realities coexist within cities like Cartagena de Indias.

Comprehensive Understanding of Peace

• Argues that constructing peace requires a commitment to philosophical, political, contextualized transformations beyond mere absence of conflict.

• Clarifies that true peace encompasses justice and collective well-being; however, definitions of justice must be critically examined.

Tools for Policy Implementation

• Introduces a metaphorical "toolbox" for public policy aimed at fostering peace; this toolbox includes various activities essential for effective implementation.

Post-Conflict Strategies in Colombia

The Role of Increased State Presence

• In post-conflict areas, local authorities often respond to violence by increasing police presence and military forces, indicating a trend towards heightened state intervention.

Continuous Peacebuilding Processes

• Emphasizes the importance of continuous peacebuilding efforts, likening it to literacy education which requires systematic and ongoing engagement.

Education as a Foundation for Peace

• Highlights that peace construction should be viewed similarly to literacy; it must be a continuous process rather than a one-time event.

Systematic Learning in Non-Formal Education

• Stresses the need for systematic approaches in both formal and non-formal education settings to ensure effective learning and retention of peace-building concepts.

Positive Conflict Perspectives

• Discusses the challenge of promoting positive perspectives on conflict within local governments, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict.

Democracy and Participation in Peacebuilding

Expanding Democratic Concepts

• Advocates for a broader understanding of democracy that includes participatory elements, essential for effective public policy related to peacebuilding.

Integrating All Actors into Policy Making

• Argues that all stakeholders must be included in democratic processes to foster comprehensive policies aimed at building peace.

Cultural Considerations in Urban Peace Initiatives

Contextualizing Actions for Peace

• Suggests that urban peace initiatives should consider existing lifestyles and behaviors within communities to effectively promote peaceful practices.

Studying Existing Attitudes Towards Violence

• Recommends analyzing community attitudes towards violence as part of developing new cultural frameworks for peace.

Concluding Thoughts on Pedagogical Approaches

Interconnections Between Education and Peace

• Concludes with reflections on how educational frameworks can cultivate peace through socio-affective pedagogies while addressing violence creatively.

Introduction of John Jairo Uribe

Exploring the Construction of Peace and Power Dynamics

The Concept of Peace from Below

• The discussion begins with an emphasis on the idea of constructing peace, particularly from grassroots perspectives, highlighting its connection to transformations in power relations.

• It is noted that understanding these power dynamics is crucial for addressing various forms of violence and their underlying logics.

Types and Logics of Violence

• Different types of violence are acknowledged, emphasizing that while they may not be justifiable, they stem from distinct social, economic, and political logics.

• The speaker uses Bogotá's Central Abastos as a case study to illustrate how control over vital resources like food can lead to violent disputes among armed actors.

Armed Actors and Resource Control

• Historical context is provided regarding armed groups' control over territories for resource management, which has implications for local populations aligned with or against these groups.

• Examples are given where violence was linked to land control and resource distribution by armed actors in urban settings like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.

Criminality and Social Relations

• The relationship between criminality and social structures is explored; it suggests that criminal activities are intertwined with social relationships rather than being isolated phenomena.

• The impact of narcotrafficking on urbanization in Colombia is discussed, indicating how illegal economies influence legal frameworks and urban development.

Urban Dynamics and Inequality

• A focus on the socio-economic disparities within Colombian cities highlights how wealth accumulation through illicit means coexists with significant inequality.

• Questions arise about how urban construction practices contribute to ongoing violence while examining connections between legal and illegal economies.

Transforming Power Relations for Peace

• The need for transforming power relations within cities as part of peacebuilding efforts is emphasized.

• It’s suggested that Colombian cities have potential examples where peace initiatives can thrive despite historical rural conflicts influencing urban dynamics.

Urban Conflict vs. Rural Conflict

• While acknowledging the rural nature of Colombia's armed conflict, it’s pointed out that urban areas experience unique forms of conflict that require different approaches to peacebuilding.

Social Movements and Peacebuilding in Urban Contexts

The Role of Cities in Social Mobilization

• Cities have become centers for social mobilization, allowing communities to rethink peace possibilities despite differing violence dynamics compared to rural areas.

• In Colombia, urban settings have facilitated resistance and reinvention, exemplified by the "Marcha Carnaval" in Ibagué, which has been active for over a decade.

Cultural Initiatives and Peace Processes

• The "Marcha Carnaval" has addressed issues like mining exploitation while promoting peace initiatives and alternative actions within the community.

• Activists involved in these cultural movements often face significant risks, including loss of life due to their activism.

Historical Context: Medellín's Response to Violence

• During its peak violence under Pablo Escobar, Medellín saw citizens engage through artistic and cultural events as a response rather than retreating into isolation.

• The poetry festival emerged as a symbol of citizen resilience against violence.

Dialogue on Conditions for Peace

• A discussion was initiated regarding how to build conditions for peace in pluralistic societies where diverse views on peace exist.

• Emphasis was placed on understanding various interpretations of peace—ranging from feminist perspectives to environmental considerations—and the need for consensus amidst diversity.

Positive Peace Framework

• The concept of positive peace encompasses not just the absence of conflict but also social justice, democracy promotion, and human rights respect.

• Building positive peace involves addressing human security needs and creating dignified living conditions for all individuals.

Rethinking Security Paradigms

Community Protests and Government Response

Overview of the Situation

• The 7 de agosto area is a popular commercial zone in Bogotá, known for local businesses such as automotive workshops and parts sales. Recently, residents blocked a major avenue to protest against ongoing issues.

• Protesters are demanding intervention from the district government to address rising extortion and crime rates that have severely impacted their economic resources and safety.

Community Demands

• Residents are calling for increased police presence in the area, citing insufficient law enforcement as a contributing factor to their vulnerability to crime.

• The discussion prompts participants to consider strategies for addressing these community concerns effectively.

Proposed Strategies for Resolution

Engaging with Local Businesses

• It is essential to develop tools for collaboration with local merchants who are directly affected by crime and extortion.

• Dialogue is recommended as a primary strategy; understanding the grievances of business owners can help establish trust and cooperation between them and authorities.

Understanding Criminal Dynamics

• A thorough understanding of the context surrounding criminal activities is crucial. This includes recognizing who is involved in extortion within specific neighborhoods.

• Extortion often involves demands for regular payments (referred to as "vacunas") from local businesses, creating an environment of fear where non-compliance leads to violence or property damage.

Negotiation Tactics

• A proposed approach involves organizing meetings between affected merchants and representatives of criminal groups to facilitate dialogue about grievances on both sides.

• Successful negotiations require intelligence, reliability, and mutual understanding among all parties involved. Achieving consensus can lead to effective resolutions that benefit both communities and authorities.

Challenges in Addressing Crime

Complexity of Criminal Structures

• Coordination among authorities is vital due to varying levels of criminal organization—from local gangs seeking protection money to larger international syndicates influencing local dynamics.

Importance of Local Solidarity

• Building solidarity within communities may provide leverage against organized crime while fostering safer environments through collective action against extortion practices.

Discussion on Crime, Solidarity, and Inequality

The Role of Local Structures in Addressing Crime

• The discussion highlights how trial structures can isolate communities, leading individuals to tackle their problems alone. This isolation emphasizes the need for coordination and strengthening local solidarity dynamics to effectively confront crime.

• The complexity increases when criminal bands become stronger and intertwine with legal authorities like the police and prosecution, complicating efforts to address these issues.

• A specific example is given regarding "el tren de al agua," which has established connections with the National Police in Bogotá, indicating a troubling relationship between criminal organizations and law enforcement.

Media's Role as a Protective Factor

• Visibility through media can serve as a protective factor for populations suffering from violence. It is crucial for people to recognize that support systems exist within their communities.

Importance of Dialogue Among Stakeholders

• Ana emphasizes the necessity of dialogue between institutions (like city hall) and local merchants to understand community issues better. Listening to various actors helps diagnose urban violence accurately.

• Engaging with perpetrators of violence is also suggested as a means to understand underlying issues contributing to crime, especially those linked to organized crime structures.

Addressing Inequalities as a Long-term Solution

• While addressing inequalities is vital, it requires medium-to-long-term strategies. Immediate solutions are necessary due to urgent needs arising from current violence levels.

• Discussions around building peace should include human security perspectives while recognizing that police intervention may be necessary in cases involving organized crime.

Connection Between Inequality and Crime

• Jairo discusses the link between inequality and crime rates, noting that higher inequality often correlates with increased criminal behavior but acknowledges that not all criminals come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• He points out that in Colombia, violence has historically been used as a means of capital accumulation across both urban and rural areas, complicating the narrative around wealth distribution.

Historical Context of Violence in Colombia

• The conversation touches on how political extremism has contributed uniquely to wealth accumulation through violent means in Colombia compared to other regions globally.

How Can Public Administration Be Articulated Around Peace as a State Policy?

The Role of Public Administration in Peacebuilding

• The speaker discusses the integration of public administration around peace as a state policy, particularly in the context of Latin America and Colombia's long history of conflict.

• Emphasizes that Colombia has experienced over 70 years of war, highlighting the need for comprehensive public policy integration to address ongoing violence and conflicts.

• Stresses that establishing a national vision and mission focused on peace is crucial; this should be reflected at all levels—national, departmental (provinces), and local.

• Argues that having peace as the ultimate objective should guide all areas of government action, creating a cohesive approach to governance.

• Introduces the concept of a "culture of peace" as an overarching framework (a "big umbrella") that encompasses various governmental efforts towards building peace.

Challenges in Implementing Peace Policies

• Points out that while different levels of government may attempt to create policies for peace, discrepancies in budget allocations and diverse opinions can lead to confusion or failure in these initiatives.

• Highlights the importance of clear policies regarding peacebuilding across different contexts—provincial, departmental, or local—to ensure effective implementation.

• Suggests that without a unified state policy on reconstruction efforts (e.g., in Gaza), it becomes challenging to achieve meaningful progress toward lasting peace.

Conclusion and Acknowledgments