IPAN Committee member Bevan Ramsden travelled to the Congress on Neutrality which was held in Bogota, Colombia on 4th to 6th April this year
The Congress was held in Bogota, the capital of Colombia. It is situated high up in the Andes on a plateau, 2,000 metres above sea level. It has a population of 12 million in a country with a population of 50 million.
The two- day Congress involved 50 speakers from 5 continents and 25 countries. Some of the presentations from distant countries were made over the internet but most were in person.
The Congress was held in a venue within the Republic of Columbia Congress Building (their Parliament). We were addressed by four Senators at the opening (breakfast) meeting within the Congress Building. On the second day we met with the Vice President of Columbia who spoke to us about her position on Neutrality and we all shook hands with her at the end of her speech.
Listen to Bevan’s speech here
Download a copy of his IPAN presentation here
International Congress on Neutrality B.Ramsden presentation for IPAN Version 2-1