Bogotá D.C., 13 de octubre de 2026. The ‘Fabrica de la Diplomacia’, a public and free event created by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted a special edition in Colombia simultaneously with its main event in France, thanks to the joint work of the French Embassy in Colombia, the European Union, and the Externado de Colombia University. In 2025, French diplomacy aimed to create a new, unprecedented space of great magnitude combining debates, encounters, immersive exercises and cultural displays to educate about diplomatic work. This first edition, held in France with the support of the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, brought together more than 300 high-level speakers and 20,000 visitors over two days. In Colombia, the organizers reported a wide attendance of secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate students from various educational institutions, as well as diplomats, international organizations and teachers. The event took place at the Externado de Colombia University. — the full statement has further detail.
Background
The ‘Fabrica de la Diplomacia’ initiative, launched by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sought to provide a novel, immersive learning experience about diplomacy. The event’s Colombian edition mirrored the main event in France, which had already established a successful format with over 300 speakers and 20,000 attendees. The Colombian iteration leveraged the expertise of the Externado de Colombia University, a leading institution in international relations studies. The statement does not mention the specific timing of the Colombian event relative to the main French event, beyond the simultaneous execution.
Analysis
The Colombian event’s focus on multilateralism and Latin American-EU relations reflects a key priority for the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The participation of ambassadors from France, Mexico, Uruguay, Germany, and Ireland, alongside representatives from UNHCR and the European Union, indicates a deliberate effort to engage with key international actors. The inclusion of figures such as Carolina Urrego Sandoval, a researcher at the Externado de Colombia University’s Faculty of Finance, Government and International Relations, suggests a commitment to incorporating academic perspectives. The presence of the Academia Diplomática, with a workshop on the formation of diplomats, reinforces Colombia’s investment in developing future diplomatic talent. The event’s structure—panels and a moot court—demonstrates a multifaceted approach to diplomacy education and engagement.
Implications
The event’s success – as reported by the organizers – holds implications for Colombia’s foreign policy strategy. The discussions on multilateralism, particularly in the context of the 21st century, could inform future policy decisions. The engagement with European partners, especially regarding trade and regional integration, suggests a continued focus on strengthening these relationships. Furthermore, the involvement of the Academia Diplomática highlights a strategic investment in cultivating a skilled diplomatic corps. The event’s format, with both panel discussions and a moot court, indicates a desire to promote practical diplomacy skills among Colombian students.
Outlook
Should the visit yield increased dialogue with European partners on trade agreements, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs could pursue revised terms to align with its strategic objectives. If the event successfully engages students in the complexities of multilateral diplomacy, the Ministry could expand similar initiatives to promote international relations education across the country. Should the Academia Diplomática’s workshop prove effective in developing practical diplomacy skills, the Ministry could integrate similar training programs into its existing diplomatic training curriculum.
