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University of Auckland students to study peacebuilding in Bogota

University of Auckland students have the opportunity to study peacebuilding in Colombia, thanks to the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Latin America announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern earlier this month.

20 students from the Conflict and Terrorism programme will travel to the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota for a four-week programme next year. The programme is delivered by the Political Science department at the University, and examines armed conflict, peace processes and the challenges of peacebuilding in Colombia.

New Zealand’s Ambassador to Colombia, Lucy Duncan, says that the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Latin America contribute to the bilateral relationship, particularly since the opening of the new Bogota Embassy in March.

Ambassador Duncan highlighted New Zealand’s desire to support Colombia on its path to enduring peace.

“As an example, New Zealand is contributing to demining in rural regions, so that families can return safely to their farms and schools. We are also seeing outstanding results from an investment in the adaptation of pasture-based dairying to small farms in conflict-affected areas.

“And, the New Zealand experience of managing water as a shared resource among stakeholders, including Māori, is being adopted by Colombia. It is proving a successful model for indigenous people, the sugar cane industry and local government, in a region where conflict amongst illegal armed groups is still happening.”

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship to Latin America programme continues to grow in popularity. Nearly 80 students have been selected in the current round, representing a 45 percent increase on 2017.

The LANZBC congratulates all PMSLA recipients. A full list of PMSLA recipients can be downloaded here.

This entry was posted on 23 Nov 2018

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