Colombia’s new ambassador to the UN is an Indigenous rights leader.  The historic decision to hold Indigenous leaders in important government roles is part of New President Gustavo Petro’s plan to be more inclusive in his government.

For decades, Colombian Indigenous rights leader Leonor Zalabata had to put a halt to local violence to protect her community caught in the crossfire. More than once, Zalabata faced off against leftist rebels, right wing paramilitaries, and even government forces through talks to lay down weapons in the region.

Zalabata is about to put her negotiating skills into practice as she becomes Colombia’s ambassador the United Nations.  

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