In its support efforts associated with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), SDV INTERNATIONAL participated in discussions with the Ambassador of Colombia to the United States, Francisco Santos Calderón. For more than 50 years, the U.S. Government, through USAID, has complemented government and citizen efforts to encourage social and economic development in Colombia, address the challenges of the long-term violence fueled by coca production and the illegal drug trade, and facilitate the establishment of civilian government institutions into previously isolated and underserved regions.
Today, USAID supports government and citizen efforts in Colombia to promote economic prosperity through the licit economy; improve the living conditions of victims of violence and vulnerable groups, including Afro-Colombians and indigenous peoples; promote respect for human rights and rule of law; and address climate change and environmental issues in one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world.
Prior to serving as Ambassador to the United States, Francisco Santos served as Vice President of Colombia from 2002 through 2010 during the administration of President Álvaro Uribe Vélez. His policy priorities were the fight against corruption, extortion and kidnapping and ridding the country of anti-personnel mines. Today, Santos continues to lead Colombia’s international promotion of trade, investment and tourism.
Image: SDV INTERNATIONAL President, Jason Roys, with the Ambassador former Vice President of Colombia to the United States, Francisco Santos Calderón.