Eight Wayuu youth from Colombia visited Qatar for a cultural and sports exchange, exploring heritage, sports, and education while promoting youth empowerment, intercultural understanding, and stronger ties between Colombia and Qatar.
The Cultural and Sports Diplomacy Exchange Initiative, which welcomed eight young Wayuu football players and students from Uribia, the indigenous capital of Colombia’s La Guajira region, has successfully concluded in Qatar.
Launched under Colombia’s Cultural and Sports Diplomacy Program, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2011, the initiative brought together outstanding youth recognised for their academic excellence, athletic talent, and leadership within their communities.
The programme aims to empower young people as local agents of change, promoting peace, inclusion, and child protection through culture and sport.
Since its establishment in 2011, the Cultural and Sports Diplomacy Program has carried out 181 exchanges across 60 countries, directly benefiting over 2,100 youth.
The recent event marked the 12th exchange of 2025 and the 193rd in the programme’s history.
It was also the municipality of Uribia’s first participation and only the second exchange ever held in Qatar, the last having taken place in 2013 with youth from San José del Guaviare.
Throughout their stay, the Wayuu participants took part in a diverse agenda focused on sports training, cultural immersion, and motivational sessions designed to strengthen intercultural understanding and global competence.
The programme was implemented in partnership with Generation Amazing Foundation, the main collaborator for this edition, alongside the support of Qatar Foundation, Stoic 360, Aspire Academy, Katara Cultural Village, Qatar Museums, and Al Thumama Complex.
The young delegates explored Qatar’s rich cultural, academic, and sports landscape through visits to Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, and Education City, where Qatar Foundation hosted them for educational tours, including Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre, Awsaj Pitch, and the Al-Mujadilah Centre & Mosque for Women.
At Qatar National Library, the participants made a symbolic donation of over ten books by notable Colombian authors, including Gabriel García Márquez, Marvel Moreno, and José Eustasio Rivera, whose La Vorágine remains a cornerstone of Colombian literature.
They also toured Aspire Academy and the National Museum of Qatar, gaining insights into the country’s history, heritage, and commitment to youth development.
A highlight of the visit was the delegation’s participation in the official inauguration of the Embassy of Colombia in Qatar on November 3, 2025, presided over by President Gustavo Petro and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy.
The presence of the Wayuu youth at the ceremony represented Colombia’s commitment to inclusive and diverse diplomacy, amplifying indigenous and youth voices as vital contributors to the nation’s international engagement.
Later in the week, on November 6, the Embassy, in partnership with Generation Amazing Foundation and Stoic 360, hosted a panel discussion titled “Cultivating Courage and Hope Among Young Women Through Sports.”
The event featured Qatari athlete Mariam Farid and Palestinian swimmer Farah Fares, who shared inspiring stories of resilience, courage, and empowerment.
Palestinian girls from the Al Thumama Complex were also present, enriching the dialogue among young women who, despite their different backgrounds, share similar challenges and aspirations.
The initiative concluded with an intercultural celebration at Al Thumama Complex, uniting members of the Colombian community, Palestinian families from Gaza, and Qatari citizens.
The gathering showcased traditional dance, crafts, and cuisine, including Palestinian Dabke, Wayuu Yonna dances, Colombian empanadas, Arabic coffee, and traditional embroidery such as Palestinian tatreez, Qatari Saadu weaving, and Wayuu textiles.
The week came to a joyful close as the delegation cheered for Team Colombia at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, marking an unforgettable end to a transformative journey that embodied the essence of cultural diplomacy and solidarity between Colombia and Qatar.
