Topic: 2025 – Authoritarianism and Democracy
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Eden Lynch
The Republic of Colombia is a country in northwestern South America with a majority mestizo population. The economy is mainly agricultural; however, industries and services are becoming increasingly important. Under the 1991 constitution, Colombia identifies as a republic in which public powers are divided among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government. Currently, the nation is under the governance of President Gustavo Petro, the first left-wing president in the country’s recent history.
As one of the longest-standing democracies in Latin America, Colombia encourages other countries to further the spread of democracy worldwide. Nevertheless, Colombia respects a gradual approach. Colombia prioritises transparency and the protection of civil rights. Despite concerns regarding President Petro’s leftist views, the administration demonstrates progressive and reformist tendencies while maintaining institutional balance. Colombia acknowledges the ongoing risks that democratic governments face due to corruption within their systems and the potential erosion that could result if these issues are not adequately addressed. Within its own territory, Colombia has begun advancing anti-corruption reforms as well as seeking more enhanced security policies to widen democratic trust and limit the chances of exploitation.
Colombia aligns with the Organisation of American States (OAS) and supports UN programs aimed at international peace and democratic governance. Colombia further advocates worldwide cooperation to combat democratic regression with the goal of a safe and stable future. That being said, Colombia is concerned with the toxic polarisation autocratisation faces (as described by the United Nations Development Programme) and asks Member States to carefully consider the question: How do we, as an organisation, balance effective governance with democratic principles and civil liberties? Colombia suggests that Member States work together to enforce global transparency, monitor the productivity of government systems, and collectively adapt effective government systems to balance productivity and democracy.
Colombia calls for additional international communication as well as initiatives to build upon existing UN anti-corruption programs to improve transparency and increase accountability. Further, Colombia advocates for enhanced support and collaboration from the OAS and other international partners while monitoring the democratic state and providing assistance to democratic resilience programs in Colombia and other similar countries aiming to create or maintain their democracies.
Colombia believes that democratic backsliding is a significant global issue that must be immediately addressed. Colombia hopes that by working together, the UN can strengthen global respect for democratic principles and avoid corruption within government systems. Colombia is committed to fostering long-term stability for all Member States through the advancement of democratic principles while maintaining respect for national diversity.
Sources
“Democracy in Colombia: Faltering or Prevailing?” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2025, carnegieendowment.org/posts/2025/07/colombia-governance-snapshot-photos?lang=en.
Nations, United. “The Dilemma of Democratization in Fragile States.” United Nations, www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/dilemma-democratization-fragile-states.
Otis, John. “It’s Not Easy Being Colombia’s 1st Left-Wing President.” NPR, 10 Mar. 2024, www.npr.org/2024/03/10/1233908534/colombia-leftist-president-gustavo-petro-challenges.
“When Democracies Autocratise.” UNDP, 2023, www.undp.org/future-development/signals-spotlight-2023/when-democracies-autocratise.
William Paul McGreevey and Robert Louis Gilmore. “Colombia | History, Culture, & Facts.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2019, www.britannica.com/place/Colombia.
