A Conversation with H.E. Juan Carlos Pinzón, Ambassador of Colombia to the United States
March 30, 2022
Speakers:
James B. Steinberg, Dean, Johns Hopkins SAIS
Juan Carlos Pinzón, Colombia’s ambassador to the U.S.
The Johns Hopkins SAIS Dean’s Office hosted Juan Carlos Pinzón, Colombia’s ambassador to the U.S., for a discussion on the 200-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Colombia and the U.S. on March 30, 2022.
Ambassador Pinzón has been a leader in both the public and private sectors. Between 2018 and 2021, H.E. Pinzón was appointed President of the Foundation for the Progress of the Capital Region – ProBogotá, a private non-profit for the promotion of common good, public policy and long-term strategic projects for the capital region of Colombia.
In July 2017, Ambassador Pinzón launched a bid for president with the support of the civic citizens’ movement “Colombia Above All.” In March 2018, he became a vice presidential candidate. H.E. Pinzón previously served as Colombia's Ambassador to Washington from 2015 to 2017. During his tenure, he oversaw the approval of “Peace Colombia or Plan Colombia II” ($450 million per year) that increased the U.S. funding package for security and development.
Additionally, he helped establish the “CEO U.S.-Colombia Business Council” at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Atlantic Council's "Colombia Task Force" with the report on the future of the U.S.-Colombia relationship. The accession of the avocado Hass to the U.S. market was an important highlight.
While in office, the Colombian Embassy was recognized as the best diplomatic delegation in Washington by the World Affairs Council in Washington, DC.