Historic agreement for digital inclusion signed today at the 6 °Foro de Periodismo Turístico in Candelaria,Colombia

As part of the 6 °Foro de Periodismo Turístico and in alignment with Día Mundial de la Solidaridad Digital ,a Collaboration Agreement for Digital Inclusion was signed—an inter-institutional initiative aimed at reducing technological gaps and promoting fair and equitable access to the digital world.

The document was signed by local authorities, representatives of rural tourism, travel journalism leaders, and community figures, who joined their voices and commitments to guarantee the right to connectivity and full digital participation for all, regardless of their background or condition.

A pact for digital equity

The agreement states that “digital inclusion is not only a technical issue, but also a social, cultural, and ethical one.” For this reason, the signatories committed to:

• Promote accessible digital education for older adults, people with disabilities, rural communities, vulnerable youth, and professionals in tourism and journalism.

• Promote inclusive digital narratives that reflect diversity and foster empathy and digital citizenship.

• Create support and collaboration networks to share resources, knowledge, and inspiring stories.

• Generate spaces for critical reflection on the impact of technology on daily life, media, and tourism.

Signatories of the agreement

Leading the signing of the agreement were:

• Gessica Vallejo, Mayor of Candelaria

• Willian Cosme, Secretary of Economic Development, Culture, and Tourism of Candelaria

• Jhon Edwin Andrade, President of Concejo Municipal de Candelaria 

• Norma Reina, President of Asociación de Alojamientos Rurales de Nariño-Morada al Sur

• Kevin Casanova, Director of the World Travel Journalism Organization (WTJO)  Colombia

• Luis Polo Roa, Representative of WTJO Panama

In addition, other participants from various regions and sectors joined the initiative, which sets a precedent for digital cooperation in Latin America.

A forward-looking alliance

The signing of this agreement positions Candelaria as a pioneering territory in the advancement of inclusive policies related to the digital world. It is both a symbolic and practical act that encourages similar actions in other contexts, recognizing that digital connectivity and knowledge are essential tools for social justice, communication, and human development.

Through this alliance, the signatories reaffirmed a shared belief:“Digital inclusion is not a luxury, but a right. And if we do it together, we can go further.”