Iván Duque Márquez is a prominent Colombian politician and lawyer who served as the President of Colombia from 2018 to 2022. He emerged as a significant political figure after being elected as the candidate from the Democratic Centre Party in the 2018 presidential election, backed by former president Álvaro Uribe. Despite being relatively unknown prior to his candidacy, Duque won the election on a platform that included opposition to the peace agreement with the FARC guerrilla group, ultimately securing the presidency with a decisive victory over Gustavo Petro in the runoff.
Before his presidency, Duque had a distinguished career in public service and international relations. He began as a consultant for the CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and later served as an advisor at the Colombian Ministry of Finance. His role as Colombia’s representative at the Inter-American Development Bank from 2001 to 2013 saw him lead initiatives in culture and creativity. Additionally, he contributed to international discussions as a consultant for the United Nations regarding the Gaza Flotilla incident.
During his presidency, Duque focused on legality and entrepreneurship, navigating significant challenges such as the Venezuelan refugee crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. His administration adopted an open-door policy for Venezuelan refugees, allowing approximately 1.7 million individuals to gain protected status in Colombia. He also implemented a national communication program during the pandemic, which initially garnered high approval ratings.
Duque’s presidency was marked by both achievements and challenges, including widespread protests against his government. Nevertheless, he maintained a strong stance on national security and drug policy, positioning Colombia as a key partner in the fight against drug trafficking. After concluding his term in August 2022, he was appointed as a distinguished fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center, continuing his engagement in international affairs and policy discussions.