* Full interview.

What is the corporate sector contributing to the construction of peace in Colombia? 

Monica de Greiff, president of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce talks about the importance of the corporate sector for the peace-building efforts in Colombia.

Download the  Edición Especial Revista Semana junio 26 de 2016 .

Semana: Why must the private sector, and specifically, the enterprise sector, get involved in the construction of peace?

Mónica de Greiff: We believe that the responsibility of the private sector cannot be delegated to others, and we are prepared to contribute to the construction of the Colombia of the 21st century. The end of the armed conflict Colombia will not resolve all of the country's complex set of problems. It does, however, represent a unique opportunity to take a quantum leap in many areas. The private sector has the necessary tools so that, jointly with the State and the communities, projects and initiatives can be undertaken that will help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically in SDG 16.

Semana: How can the enterprise sector contribute to the construction of peace?

M.D.G: Historically, the role of the private sector in the construction of peace has been understood in terms of generating jobs or paying fiscal dues; that is an important part, but it is far from the only one. The sector can support the strengthening of institutions, the generation of capabilities for coexistence; it can also promote civil dialogues, generate new markets and inclusive productive chains, among other things. We must think outside the box, and see the opportunities.

Semana: How is the Chamber currently contributing to the construction of peace?

M.D.G.: First and foremost, we firmly believe that trade and the market generate peace, while violence or war come at a huge cost for businesses and well-being. The Chamber has been contributing to the construction of peace and the generation of sustainable business environments for many years. For example, we are pioneers in the re-insertion of former combatants into society and, jointly with the Colombian Agency for Reinsertion, we employ close to 40 re-inserted Colombian citizens who are excellent workers with a successful career. Furthermore, and working jointly with the National Police, we have explored new tools such as police mediation, in order to manage urban conflicts from a human security perspective. Furthermore, we have been conducting the only survey in Colombia about the peace process and entrepreneurs' perspectives. Lastly, our Arbitration and Conciliation Center is currently undertaking a series of programs that directly impact the goals of constructing peace through the use of alternative dispute resolution methods. These are only a few examples of the work that the Chamber has carried out on these matters.

Semana: What is the Chamber's agenda into the future, regarding the construction of peace?

M.D.G.: We believe we must first get organized as a sector, and to set a shared agenda regarding the role of the private sector in the construction of peace. There is a huge risk of atomization and duplication among the different private institutions that participate in peace-building activities. There are many different agendas, sufficient resources, but poor coordination and articulation. Therefore, and along with other important stakeholders in this ecosystem, we are starting a new collective leadership process where we invite the sector as a whole to participate. We believe the shared agenda will be very useful for the enterprise sector, for the State, for the communities and for international cooperation, as a whole.

Semana: Why was the Direction for the Construction of Peace at the Chamber created? What is its function?

M.D.G.: We realized that the construction of peace is a complex body of knowledge where many different disciplines merge and, considering its importance, it must have its own structure and mission. For us, this is a highly strategic area. The Direction helps us gain a better understanding of the environment, in order to provide better services to entrepreneurs in the Bogotá-Region and to implement more effective interventions on the realities of citizens and entrepreneurs alike.

Semana: What other challenges are expected and how must the private sector face them?

M.D.G.: At this time, the main challenge lies in the generation of confidence and trust. It is natural for the private sector to feel uncertainty regarding the changes that will come from the end of the armed conflict. Ending the armed conflict is a very different thing from building peace. The private sector is challenged with managing the resulting uncertainty, looking into the future and facing change with a positive outlook. Even with the difficulties it will entail, the private sector must generate confidence with the State and the communities. The damage, the challenges and lags we are left with after 50 years of war are so great that only harmonized, joint and constant work between the State, the private sector and the communities can lead us were we want to go: to the construction of a prosperous, competitive and inclusive Colombia.