The Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge is thrilled to applaud María Cristina Cifuentes, the Rotary Peace Fellow we supported during her Rotary-sponsored Master’s Degree at Bradford University.  Many were nominated but she is one of only six people, worldwide, this year to receive the prestigious Rotary International “People of Action Honours” award, in recognition of her ground-breaking work in Colombia.  This award recognises outstanding projects and individuals who have made significant contributions to peace and sustainable development.

During her studies at Bradford University, María Cristina developed an innovative framework that integrates peace-building and climate action. Her dissertation, which earned academic excellence recognition, has now become the foundation for Colombia's national climate strategy. 

María Cristina created a methodology to incorporate peace into Colombia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for climate action.  She developed five strategic pillars addressing governance, social empowerment, sustainable development, human security, and innovation.  She led workshops across Colombia, ensuring inclusive participation from indigenous, Afro-descendant, and rural communities and represented Colombia's Ministry of Environment in peace dialogues with revolutionary armed groups.

María Cristina's work exemplifies the spirit of Rotary’s People of Action by creating lasting, positive change on a global scale. Her innovative approach not only impacts Colombia but also serves as a model for integrating peace-building with climate action worldwide.

We are immensely proud of María Cristina and her achievements.

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