Juan Manuel Santos Calderón is the 32nd and current President of Colombia, in office since 2010. He was Minister of Defense from 2006 to 2009.
An economist by profession and a journalist by trade, Santos is a member of the wealthy and influential Santos family, who from 1913 to 2007 were the majority shareholders of the El Tiempo newspaper until its sale in 2007 to Planeta DeAgostini. Shortly after graduating from the University of Kansas, he joined the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia as an economic advisor and delegate to the International Coffee Organization in London, where he also attended the London School of Economics and Political Science. In 1981, he was appointed deputy director of El Tiempo, becoming its director two years later.
In 1991, he was appointed by President César Gaviria Trujillo as Colombia’s first Minister of Foreign Trade. Santos worked in expanding international trade with Colombia, and worked in creating various agencies for this purpose including: Proexport, Bancoldex, and Fiducoldex. In 2000, he was appointed by President Andrés Pastrana Arango as the 64th Minister of Finance and Public Credit.
Santos rose to prominence during the Administration of President Álvaro Uribe Vélez. In 2005, he co-founded and led the Social Party of National Unity (Party of the U), a liberal-conservative party coalition that backed the policies of President Uribe, successfully supporting his attempt to seek a Constitutional reform to be able to run for a second term. In 2006, after Uribe was re-elected, and the Party of the U won a majority of seats in both chambers of Congress, Santos was appointed Minister of National Defence, and continued defending the security policies of President Uribe, taking a strong and forceful stance against FARC and the other guerrilla groups operating in Colombia. He oversaw rescue operations of hostages, including Operation Jaque that led to the rescue of former presidential candidate Íngrid Betancourt, three American citizens, and 11 other members of the Colombian Army that had been held for several years. Though widely viewed as a heroic endeavour that cemented Santos’ popularity, the rescue was criticised for misappropriating emblems of the International Red Cross, a violation of the Geneva Conventions.
Are we ready to lead together? A Critical Intergenerational Dialogue on Existential Threats
Humanity is at a tipping point. The climate and nature crisis, pandemics, nuclear weapons, and the emerging risks of AI present escalating threats that put all humanity at risk.
As leaders gather in New York for the UN Summit of the Future at UNGA 2024, it is time to change direction.
We need decision-makers who understand the urgency of the existential threats we face, and can demonstrate the courage and determination to overcome them. The Elders believe that with bold, long-view leadership our best future can still lie ahead of us.
On the eve of the UN Summit of the Future, The Elders and distinguished guests invite you to a series of solutions-oriented, intergenerational dialogues on addressing the greatest existential threats facing humanity.
The program was as followed: Opening remarks from Elders, guests and a performance by aja monet, Panel discussion and Q&A: Frontline Solutions to Existential Threats.
Intergenerational Dialogues: Harnessing Collective Wisdom, Presentation of an Intergenerational Manifesto.
Some of the panelists and speakers included: Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Chair of The Elders.
Juan Manuel Santos, Former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate, Ernesto Zedillo, Former President of Mexico.
Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Head of the UN Development Program. Elbegdorj Tsakhia, Former President and Prime Minister of Mongolia, aja monet, Grammy-nominated Surrealist Blues Poet.
Emma Pike, Lex International; nuclear disarmament expert, activist, and peace educator, Fatou Wurie , Founder, Youterus Health and Harvard Doctoral Candidate.
Flávia Bellaguarda, Executive Director, LACLIMA, Max Tegmark, President, Future of Life Institute; Physicist, Professor and AI researcher at MIT and many more.
The Elders was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007. We are an independent group of global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet.
Our vision is a world where people live in peace, conscious of their common humanity and their shared responsibilities for each other, the planet and future generations; where there is universal respect for human rights; where poverty has been eliminated and people are free from fear and oppression, and able to fulfil their true potential.
See more about Humanitarian projects in our World Liberty TV, Humanitarian Channels, Blogs and who is who ? of the Humanitarian World , Humanitarian Photo-gallery archives by clicking here.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary under the theme “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity”, Caribbean Week 2024 will showcase a dynamic lineup of events and business meetings.
These sessions will involve the CTO Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Ministerial Council. Discussions will focus on the critical issues shaping the evolution and growth of Caribbean tourism, providing an opportunity for robust and strategic dialogue.
The week kicked off with a church service and a Business and Tourism Marketing Symposium. Returning this year are the Caribbean Media Awards and the much-anticipated Media Marketplace.
In keeping with its commitment to fostering innovation, CTO hosted a special session dedicated to artificial intelligence, underscoring the organization’s forward-thinking approach. Additionally, the impactful work of the CTO Scholarship Foundation and the recently launched Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship will be in the spotlight along with the highly anticipated Women’s Leadership Breakfast Awards.
We also participated in Media market watch event, where media meets many destination, heads Ministers of tourism, PR Companies and many more stake holders, to showcase their destinations in the Caribbean.
We at World Liberty TV, have been covering Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), for over 21 years, I remember Mr. Jean Holder, who founded the CTO, organization and met on four different occasions, as he was the 1st Secretary general / CEO of the Organization, a wonderful man who would sit down with you and speak with you in detail about the progress of Tourism in the Caribbean, I would go as far to say, he was the Godfather of the Tourism industry in the Caribbean and a great visionary, Mr. Holder passed away in Feb 2022, may he rest in peace, I was very touched to attend Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship, luncheon in his honor, this year, he will never be forgotten by me and millions more in the Caribbean diaspora.
Bevan Springer, President and CEO of Marketplace Excellence, Luncheon donated $2500.00 dollars to the Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship fund. alongside with his team were the organizers of Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), week. I also want to say I have known Bevan over 20 years, he is a very honorable man, who strives to the very highest level, and I believe he and his team are the right choice to help put the Caribbean Tourist organization back to his glory days. He and his staff are professional and headed in the right way, I also want to give a shout out to Heather Gibbs, who is always helping and getting information to us.
About the Caribbean Tourism Organization: The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency, comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories, including Dutch-, English- and French-speaking, as well as a range of private sector allied members.
The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.
Among the benefits to its members, the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning and execution, and research and information technology.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation is the headline sponsor of Caribbean Week in New York. Gold sponsors include the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
Sandals Resorts International is a silver sponsor, and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is a bronze sponsor. Additional supporters include Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Caribbean Media Exchange, Diamonds International, and Marketplace Excellence.
Also a quick shout out to the 1st Woman to hold the title as the Secretary General/ CEO, MS. Dona Regis-Prosper, congrats to her. Minister Bryan lauded Regis-Prosper for her “wealth of experience, a passion for tourism and a commitment to the Caribbean that aligns perfectly with our organization’s vision”.
Dona Regis-Prosper has held prominent leadership roles in the public and private sectors within the Caribbean region. “Her qualified understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face positions her as an ideal leader to guide the organization into a prosperous future,” said Minister Bryan.
As Secretary-General, Regis-Prosper will be charged with providing strategic direction and leadership to the CTO staff, collaborating with more than two dozen member countries and territories, and working closely with partners and stakeholders to advance the organization’s mission.
This was one of the best CTO, events I attended, many great speakers, Ministers in attendance and of course meeting the Cricket Legend Joel Garner and interviewing him. You can see his exclusive interview in our World Liberty TV, Sports Channels by Clicking here.
You can see many videos and blogs of CTO, in our World Liberty TV, Travel and Tourism Channels by clicking here.
Iconic NYC Experience Wellness & Travel media events have become the pre-eminent annual wellness media gathering in NYC. Our 2024 NYC event will be hosted again at the stunning The Pierre Hotel.
Where we will entertain 150 top-level press representatives from the health, wellness, beauty and travel sectors and also have 90+ media joining us virtually from around the globe.
Wellness travel agents and spa resort owners are invited to join us virtually throughout the day and in person after the event for our very popular “Wellness After Party”.
It was truly a great event and our 5th appearance at Organic Spa’s Experience Wellness & Travel Media Events in NYC.
Some of the topics covered included: Wellness Around the Globe Symposium & Panel Sessions. Press Conferences & Meetings with Sponsors, Trends in Wellness & Sustainable Travel.
The challenges facing the global wellness tourism industry change with the changing geopolitical landscape, with the changing climate, and with new advances in sustainability. Leaders in our industry discuss the most innovative ways they are pivoting for the good of the planet while at the same time serving consumers.
Keynote Speaker: Wellness in My Words, Nutrition and healthy lifestyle expert for the TODAY show, Joy Bauer welcomes the group with a fresh, personal perspective on what health, happiness and purposeful living means to her in this special keynote address.
Wellness Real Estate & Communities, In the ultimate sign of our times, developers are answering the call for holistically healthy spaces that serve residents of all ages and stages. Who is buying in and what can they expect from these developments?
Conversation Around Clean Beauty, New issues surrounding packaging, production and product efficacy. Icons and industry newcomers alike talk about what lies ahead for this industry.
Keynote Speaker: This is What 100 Looks Like, Organic Spa Media is honored to welcome Deborah Szekely, Founder of Golden Door and Co-Founder of Rancho La Puerta, as a 2024 keynote speaker.
A remarkable centenarian whose life spans over a century of wisdom and unparalleled experiences, she brings us a wealth of insight, illuminating the path towards the future.
Top Trends in Ingredients, Tech & Rituals, Influencers and beauty veterans share the stage to talk about what’s hot, what’s not, and what we can expect in the near future from the beauty and spa industries.
Adventure & Experiential Travel, the global wellness audience wants so much more than a vacation. They want unforgettable experiences, personal connections and lasting impact. How is the industry answering the call?
Menopause & The Microbiome, watch out, menopause is hot again! A deep discussion into the solutions being offered to women as they address their changing hormone balance.
Also a Gourmet wellness lunch prepared by Michael Mignano, executive Chef of Pierre hotel. The food was absolutely out of this world, that was the best experience I had, and I have been covering events at the Pierre hotel for the past twenty years.
About Organic Spa Media, Ltd: Since 2007, Organic Spa Media, Ltd. has been the leading authority in wellness lifestyle and travel. We offer expert advice from sources you can trust, cutting through the growing “noise” in the wellness space to share our insider knowledge from over sixteen years as the paramount media source in natural beauty and wellness.
From clean beauty products to leading spa resorts, OSM offers only the best of the best for the sophisticated wellness consumer. With community engagement initiatives like our LiveWell membership program, Shop Beauty affiliate site and more to come, we encourage our readers to empower and educate themselves to live a curated, conscious lifestyle with intention.
See More in our World Liberty TV, Health, Wellness and Beauty Channels by clicking here.
