Colombia

CISP has been operating in Colombia since 1983, establishing itself as a key benchmark organization in the fields of humanitarian aid and sustainable development.
Over more than four decades, the organization has built a solid and diversified territorial presence, with two permanent offices and multiple operational sites deployed according to project needs, ensuring close proximity to communities and continuous technical support. CISP counts on a highly specialized team with proven experience across various intervention sectors, supported by a pool of national and international experts who can be activated according to the specific requirements of each action. All operations are developed in coordination with the Regional Direction for Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring institutional coherence and technical quality.
From a managerial standpoint, CISP applies a Management System aligned with international standards of transparency, accountability, and risk management — including financial management. The technical and economic management of projects is carried out through the GONG ERP system, a platform that guarantees complete traceability and comprehensive control. Furthermore, the Innovation Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, located in Medellín, develops technological tools, monitoring methodologies, and virtual training services, driving operational efficiency and institutional innovation.

CISP’s Main Areas of Expertise in Colombia

Comprehensive Humanitarian Assistance and Protection of Vulnerable Populations

CISP offers comprehensive responses to social, humanitarian, and territorial emergencies stemming from armed conflict, migration, and structural exclusion. Its actions prioritize the protection of life, human dignity, and equitable access to essential services such as water, health, education, and housing, alongside psychosocial recovery for affected communities. CISP’s differential approach ensures that the specific needs of women, children, youth, older adults, and persons with disabilities are addressed, fostering safe, inclusive, and resilient environments.

Education, Human Development, and Socio-Emotional Skills

Education represents a strategic pillar of intervention for CISP. The organization promotes transformative and inclusive education aimed at sustainable human development. In recent years, it has strengthened its expertise in developing socio-emotional skills, fostering empathy, youth leadership, peaceful conflict resolution, and school coexistence. These capacities are integrated into both formal educational settings and community spaces, contributing to the reconstruction of the social fabric and the prevention of violence in rural and border contexts. CISP works in close coordination with the Ministry of National Education, ICBF, the Victims Unit (UARIV), and various education secretariats, strengthening education policies centered on resilience and peace.

Sustainable Livelihoods and Inclusive Economic Development

CISP drives the creation of sustainable economic opportunities, promoting the social and solidarity economy as a pathway toward well-being and social cohesion. Actions focus on technical and vocational training, the formalization of local enterprises, and the strengthening of peasant organizations, cooperatives, and community associations. The approach combines economic and environmental sustainability, with a special focus on the active participation of women and youth. In partnership with international cooperation agencies, initiatives are implemented to enhance food security, employability, and territorial development, contributing to socioeconomic stabilization in areas affected by violence and poverty.

Social Reintegration, Territorial Agreements, and Peacebuilding

CISP has extensive experience in reintegration, reconciliation, and territorial peacebuilding processes. Through territorial agreements for development and coexistence, it promotes community and youth empowerment, strengthening local capacities for collective decision-making, participatory resource management, and peaceful conflict resolution. These agreements are recognized as effective tools for social dialogue, participatory planning, and trust-building among communities, institutions, and productive actors. CISP actively contributes to the local implementation of the Peace Agreement, in partnership with the European Trust Fund for Peace, AICS, SDC, and various UN agencies such as IOM, UNHCR, and UNICEF.

Local Governance and Institutional Strengthening

CISP supports Colombian state institutions in formulating and implementing inclusive and sustainable public policies. At the national level, it maintains partnerships with key ministries — including Education, Interior, Agriculture, and Equality and Equity — to consolidate joint strategies for rural development, civic coexistence, and social equity. At the regional and local levels, it collaborates with departmental and municipal governments in participatory planning processes, administrative capacity building, and the promotion of community leadership. These synergies align local priorities with national goals for peace, equity, and sustainability.

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

Gender mainstreaming is a cross-cutting principle across all CISP actions. The organization promotes women’s economic and political autonomy, their participation in leadership and decision-making spaces, and the prevention of gender-based violence. Strengthening women’s networks and creating safe, inclusive environments are essential pillars for building equitable and sustainable communities.

Social Inclusion and Diversity Management

CISP strives for a more just and inclusive Colombia, encouraging the active participation of migrant, displaced, returnee, indigenous, and Afro-descendant populations, as well as persons with disabilities. Grounded in a human rights framework, the organization promotes equitable access to basic services, non-discrimination, and the social and economic integration of all population groups. Every intervention seeks to enhance community cohesion and ensure that no one is left behind.

International Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships

CISP’s work in Colombia is grounded in a robust network of international cooperation and institutional partnerships, which enhance its operational impact and long-term sustainability.

www.cispalc.org