Margarita la “Paca” Zuleta has been director of the School of Government at the Universidad de los Andes since 2017.
Photo: Andres Carom
Why is this exhibition being held?
For the centenary of the birth of President Virgilio Barco, which occurred during the pandemic. The way we joined the celebration was by holding this exhibition.
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Why was former President Virgilio Barco so important for the University of the Andes?
President Barco is vital to what the School of Government does. His memory allows us to analyze public management in the country. He was an example to think about the logic of public policy, how to administer it and how to translate it into reality.
How is the exhibition divided?
This exhibition collects his legacy as mayor of Bogotá and as president of the Republic. We review the peace process with the M-19 guerrilla, his work in the care and preservation of the forests, and the recognition of indigenous people, memory and the archive. For us, at the School of Government, it is important that future generations have knowledge about how important political decisions were made in the country. Issues such as the fight against drugs, the Seventh Ballot and the openness to citizen participation are vital for our society.
Why is it important for new generations to know the former president’s career?
Because we have to understand the history of our country and the only way to do so is by knowing and learning about it. The testimonies about how we lived it are also very valuable.
Initially, the exhibition was not intended to be held at the university…
No, it was held first in Cúcuta and then in the General Archive of the Nation, also as a celebration of the first centenary of Virgilio Barco. After those exhibitions, no more were going to be held, but we considered that it was important for us to have it and we talked with the family about bringing it to the university.
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What do you think are the important milestones in Barco’s career that are still relevant?
Give some indigenous communities several hectares of forest for their protection and for the recognition of these peoples. Likewise, the 1991 Constitution, the peace process with the M-19 and the creation of the General Archive of the Nation.
How did Virgilio Barco’s management influence your professional career?
For my generation, which was that of the Seventh ballot, it was a vital piece. We began to have political participation in the country from the opening that President Barco gave to young people.