From conflict to catwalk: Women ex-combatants weave reconciliation in Colombia

Katerine Avella is a former combatant in Colombia’s decades-long civil war, a peace signatory and a community leader. After the guns fell silent, she created the fashion brand Ixora but, with violence returning to the region, Ms. Avella is now focusing on trying to keep the project afloat in the face of new challenges.

Young people are increasingly affected by global events in this area. Gen Z and Gen Alpha seek clarity and constructive responses aligned with sustainable development and well-being (SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Research and reporting show that youth engagement—whether through education, advocacy, or community action—helps shape outcomes. Framing stories through a youth lens supports relevance and accountability.

Pearl News highlights how global challenges intersect with the lives of young people and the frameworks that support their resilience and participation.

This story relates to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations tracks progress and supports initiatives in this area.

Understanding how global goals connect to daily life helps readers see the relevance of international frameworks. Youth, educators, and community leaders often use SDG language to align local action with broader objectives.

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Constructive next steps and dialogue continue to shape how communities and youth engage with these challenges.

Ongoing coverage will track developments and the role of multilateral dialogue, local initiatives, and youth-led responses.

Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/04/1167269