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Cesar Gaviria        

Former President of Colombia

Known worldwide as a conflict mediator, an advocate for peace, and a defender of human rights, César Gaviria is credited for having played a pivotal role in reforming the Americas and still today remains at the center of the region’s evolution.

Elected Colombia’s President in 1989, Gaviria’s term was marked by reforms that built a dynamic economy, encouraged foreign trade and investment, strengthened democracy, and promoted peace. His courage and vision not only as President, but during his term as Secretary General for the Organization of American States (OAS), reinvigorated the inter-American agenda and prepared the region to meet the challenges it faces today.

When his final OAS term concluded, Gaviria returned to his native country to lead the Colombian Liberal Party in June 2005 and continues to be a strong presence in Colombia’s political arena. He currently serves on the board of directors of Oceana, a global organization that aims to reduce pollution and prevent the irreversible collapse of sea life.

As we look toward our global future and the integral social, economic, and environmental role that Latin America will play, there is no better informed voice than César Gaviria’s in addressing the challenges that lie ahead and the strategies that must be implemented for success. A strong, respected leader with invaluable experience, he also offers an informed, thoughtful perspective on the transformation of the OAS, the modernization of Colombia, and ongoing efforts to protect our world’s oceans.

Speech Topics


Globalization Through the Political Lens

The Socioeconomic Importance of Protecting Our World’s Oceans

Leadership in an Uncertain World

Challenges Faced by China, India, & Latin America

Conflict Resolution

Doing Business in Latin America: Understanding the Economic & Political Climate

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The War on Drugs

The war on drugs has failed. And it's high time to replace an ineffective strategy with more humane and efficient drug policies. This is the central message of the report by the Latin American Commission on Drugs and Democracy presented to the public recently in Rio de Janeiro.

The main proposal is a paradigm shift in drug policies based on three guiding principles: reduce the harm caused by drugs, decrease drug consumption through education, and aggressively combat organized crime. To translate this new paradigm into action, one must start by changing the status of addicts from drug buyers in the illegal market to patients cared for by the public-health system.

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