Nuclear and other radioactive material is widely used for peaceful purposes in medical, industrial, agricultural, research, energy, and other sectors around the world. These applications help improve the quality of people’s lives and contribute to sustainable development in many countries, including Colombia. In a statement made at the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held in 2024, Colombia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna
highlighted that
“nuclear applications have been fundamental, with successful cases in radiological medicine and the fight against cancer, as well as in the management of water resources.”
At the same time, the country recognises the risk of such material being misused for malicious purposes and
acknowledges the importance of the international legal instruments, including the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT), in ensuring nuclear security.
ICSANT is one of the 19 international legal instruments against terrorism that aims to effectively prevent and respond to nuclear terrorism and other criminal conduct involving radioactive material. For over two decades, UNODC, in line with the
mandate conferred to it by the United Nations General Assembly, has been supporting States to become party to and effectively implement ICSANT through tailor-made legislative and technical assistance, including by raising their awareness on the importance and benefits of adhering to, and fully implementing the Convention.
In this context, and in support of Colombia’s nuclear security-related policy priorities, UNODC, on 19 December 2025, conducted a national visit to Colombia to promote ICSANT. The UNODC delegation, led by Mr. Olivier Inizan, Deputy Representative for the Andean Region and the Southern Cone, and Ms. Maria Lorenzo Sobrado, Head of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Programme, held a high-level meeting with H.E. Ambassador Adriana Mendoza, Director of Multilateral Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant officials of the Ministry, including Ms. Karen Giron Abadia, First Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Directorate of Multilateral Political Affairs (an alumna of the
2025 UNODC ICSANT Universalization Youth Academy). The counterparts discussed the importance of the international legal framework against nuclear terrorism, as well as cooperation opportunities within the framework of the country’s commitment to disarmament, non-proliferation, and international peace. In particular, the discussions focused on the current status of the country’s adherence to ICSANT that Colombia signed in 2006 and the progress made towards its ratification. UNODC also informed of its available assistance both before and after States’ adherence to the Convention. Ambassador Mendoza reiterated Colombia’s commitment to the global disarmament and non-proliferation agenda, priorities that were presented as part of the National Government’s Total Peace policy and that, in her words, will be further enhanced by the country’s role as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council that it will assume in January 2026. In this context, the Ministry reaffirmed its willingness to strengthen the international legal framework against terrorism and to enhance its cooperation with the United Nations system in the area of international security and the prevention of global threats.
In addition, UNODC held bilateral meetings with Mr. Mario Alberto Ortiz Barragán, Director for National Security of the Ministry of Defence and with Mr. Juan Pablo Parra Lozano, Director of Nuclear Affairs of the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The briefings further contributed to facilitating Colombia’s adherence to ICSANT and to discuss UNODC’s relevant assistance.
In January 2026, UNODC plans to conduct follow-up virtual meetings with the Attorney General’s Office and other relevant government agencies involved in the process of adherence to the Convention.
The country visit was implemented under the framework of the UNODC’s Canada-funded project on “Strengthening the Global Fight Against CBRN Terrorism Through Raising Awareness and Promoting Adherence to and Implementation of International Legal Frameworks related to Nuclear Security”.
