In his compelling article for Barista Magazine, Luis Mojica Perez explores how the long-term survival of the specialty coffee industry depends entirely on creating viable economic opportunities for young people at origin. Through the inspiring story of Jhon Arley Gomez—a young Colombian who transitioned from working in the illicit coca trade to becoming a passionate coffee professional and community leader in Tierralta—Perez illustrates the transformative power of agricultural investment. However, he argues that industry efforts like direct trade and premiums are not enough to solve systemic challenges alone; there is a critical need for broader policy support, such as appointing a Special Envoy on Youth for the Americas. By investing in youth education, skills training, and dignified livelihoods, the coffee industry can offer powerful alternatives to irregular migration and illicit economies, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for coffee-producing communities.

In his insightful article, Luis Mojica Perez argues that the Organization of American States (OAS) urgently needs to appoint a Special Envoy on Youth to champion the region's 160 million young people. While global bodies like the UN and the African Union have already established dedicated youth mandates, the OAS currently lacks a unified voice to coordinate initiatives, mobilize funding, and advocate for younger generations. Perez emphasizes that empowering youth is not merely a matter of demographic representation, but a vital security and prosperity agenda for the hemisphere. By investing in youth livelihoods and formal employment, the Americas can drive economic growth, combat illicit recruitment by criminal organizations, and address the root causes of irregular migration—all through a highly effective proposal that would cost member states nothing to implement.

El artículo "El Despertar de Córdoba" de Irisleth Hernandez destaca el sorprendente hallazgo de cultivos de café de alta especialidad en Tierralta, Córdoba, una región históricamente afectada por el conflicto armado y los cultivos ilícitos. Liderado por la fundación Project to Decolonize Coffee (PDC), este descubrimiento no solo representa un hito agronómico, sino también una oportunidad transformadora para la sustitución de cultivos impulsada valientemente por mujeres campesinas. El proyecto busca consolidar la paz y evitar la migración rural mediante iniciativas integrales como el Proyecto V.I.T.A.L. (un centro de innovación agrícola), programas de seguridad alimentaria, dotación laboral, capacitación para jóvenes emprendedores del agro y espacios educativos para niños, asegurando así un futuro próspero y legal para las comunidades del campo.

"In an effort to transform the industry from its roots, the Project to Decolonize Coffee (PDC), led by Colombian-born Luis Mojica, is redefining the future of producing communities in Tierralta, Córdoba. Beyond advocating for fair wages and equity in the global supply chain, this initiative is making a profound social impact by helping dozens of farming families transition from coca cultivation to specialty coffee. By empowering farmers and promoting sustainable models that keep wealth in the country of origin, the project seeks not only to 'decolonize' the coffee trade but also to build peace and offer a dignified alternative livelihood in a region historically scarred by conflict."

"The 'Project to Decolonize Coffee' (PDC) is transforming Colombia's agricultural landscape by offering over 40 farming families a dignified and peaceful alternative to illicit coca crops. Led by Colombian Luis Mojica, this initiative not only seeks to empower coffee growers by granting them full autonomy over the planting, harvesting, and marketing of their product, but also aims to rewrite the history of these conflict-affected communities. Discover in this article how this comprehensive rural development model is changing lives, ensuring fair incomes, and even preparing for its upcoming international expansion to Uganda."

Colombia has faced decades of drug trafficking and armed conflict, severely impacting its economy and society. In El Nudo del Paramillo, a key drug corridor, our organization offers hope.

We support emerging coffee farmers in Tierralta, Córdoba, to produce specialty coffee sustainably, providing them with economic opportunities and rebuilding their lives. Thanks to donors, we implemented an innovation project with technology and technical assistance for victims of the conflict. The decrease in the price of coca reinforces the idea that coffee is a viable alternative. Investing in the rural economy and small farmers creates sustainable livelihoods, reducing incentives for illicit activities. We invite you to support our cause and make a positive impact.

Nos sentimos honrados que Project to Decolonize Coffee haya sido destacado en Perfect Daily Grind, la principal publicación mundial sobre café.La nota resalta nuestro trabajo en Tierralta, Córdoba, donde estamos colaborando con comunidades en el posconflicto colombiano para transformar cultivos de coca en café, empoderar a familias desplazadas y construir un nuevo eje cafetero basado en la dignidad, salarios justos y precios de prosperidad.Gracias al equipo editorial de PDG por reconocer la importancia de este trabajo. Esto es solo el comienzo: juntos podemos reimaginar la cadena de valor del café.https://lnkd.in/eWmtYEuN)

Project to Decolonize Coffee contribuye a la Declaración Global de la Juventud para la COP30

Nos enorgullece compartir que Project to Decolonize Coffee (PDC) ha enviado oficialmente su aporte a la Declaración Global de la Juventud 2025, la voz colectiva de niños, niñas y jóvenes que será presentada en la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático (COP30 en Brasil).

Nuestra contribución resalta la necesidad urgente de:

✅ Alimentos y Agricultura – construir sistemas agrícolas resilientes para comunidades campesinas e indígenas.

✅ Justicia Climática y Derechos Humanos – garantizar trabajo digno, salarios justos y protección social para la juventud rural.

✅ Finanzas y Mercados Climáticos – crear acceso directo a financiamiento para iniciativas lideradas por jóvenes y comunidades de base, permitiendo que lideren la acción climática.Este es un paso importante para amplificar las voces de caficultores, jóvenes rurales e innovadores comunitarios en la política climática global.

🌱☕Seguimos comprometidos con avanzar en la justicia climática, la agricultura sostenible y la dignidad económica — porque el futuro del café, del campo y de nuestro planeta depende de ello.