Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are scheduled to make their inaugural visit to Colombia on August 15, 2024, at the invitation of Vice President Francia Márquez. The royal couple's itinerary includes participation in various events, with a primary focus on addressing cyberbullying and promoting safe digital environments.
The visit will commence in Bogotá, Colombia's capital nestled in the Andes mountains, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will engage in activities on August 15 and 16. Following their time in the capital, the couple plans to travel to Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colonial architecture, and Cali, often referred to as the "Salsa Capital of the World," for the weekend of August 17-18.
A key event during their stay will be a forum on responsible technological practices, organized jointly by Colombia's vice presidency and the Archewell Foundation, the non-profit organization established by Harry and Meghan in 2020. This initiative aims to address the disproportionate negative impact of technology in the Global South, a term referring to developing nations primarily located in the Southern Hemisphere.
The royal couple will also visit a school in Bogotá, where they will interact with students exploring the digital landscape and its societal effects. This engagement aligns with Colombia's ongoing efforts to improve digital literacy and internet access nationwide, as the country boasts one of the highest internet penetration rates in Latin America.
The visit by Prince Harry, who is sixth in line to the British throne, and Meghan, a former actress, comes at a time when cyberbullying affects approximately 36.5% of people globally, with young individuals being the most vulnerable. Colombia has been proactive in implementing initiatives to combat cyberbullying in schools, making the royal couple's focus on digital safety particularly relevant.
Vice President Francia Márquez, who made history in 2022 as Colombia's first Afro-Colombian vice president, is expected to provide more details about the visit's purpose during a press conference on August 15. The collaboration between the Colombian government and the Archewell Foundation, known for its focus on issues such as mental health and gender equality, underscores the importance of addressing digital challenges in the world's second most biodiverse country.
As Prince Harry and Meghan continue their work outside of senior royal duties, which they stepped back from in 2020, this visit to Colombia represents their ongoing commitment to global issues and responsible technology use.