# Álvaro Uribe Vélez

> 39.º President of Colombia from 2002 to 2010

**Wikidata**: [Q187413](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q187413)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Álvaro_Uribe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alvaro-uribe-velez

## Summary
Álvaro Uribe Vélez was the 39th President of Colombia, serving from 2002 to 2010. A lawyer by profession, he is known for his leadership during a period of political and economic reforms in Colombia, including efforts to combat drug trafficking and strengthen democratic institutions.

## Biography
- Born: July 4, 1952 (place not specified)
- Nationality: Colombian
- Education:
  - Harvard Law School
  - St Antony's College (Oxford)
  - University of Antioquia
  - Harvard University
  - Georgetown University
- Known for: Serving as President of Colombia and leading political reforms
- Employer(s): Centro Democrático (political party)
- Field(s): Law, politics

## Contributions
Álvaro Uribe Vélez served as the 39th President of Colombia from 2002 to 2010. During his presidency, he implemented economic and political reforms aimed at reducing corruption, combating drug trafficking, and strengthening democratic institutions. He also played a key role in the peace process with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). His presidency was marked by both achievements and controversies, including the extradition of former President Luis Carlos Galán and the passage of the 2008 constitutional reform.

## FAQs
**What educational institutions did Álvaro Uribe Vélez attend?**
Álvaro Uribe Vélez studied at Harvard Law School, St Antony's College (Oxford), the University of Antioquia, Harvard University, and Georgetown University.

**What political party was Álvaro Uribe Vélez affiliated with?**
Álvaro Uribe Vélez was affiliated with the Centro Democrático political party.

**What were Álvaro Uribe Vélez's major achievements as president?**
Álvaro Uribe Vélez implemented economic and political reforms, including constitutional changes, efforts to combat drug trafficking, and the peace process with the FARC.

**What controversies surrounded Álvaro Uribe Vélez's presidency?**
Controversies included the extradition of former President Luis Carlos Galán and the passage of the 2008 constitutional reform, which faced criticism for its impact on political representation.

## Why They Matter
Álvaro Uribe Vélez's presidency had a significant impact on Colombia's political and economic landscape. His leadership during a period of transition helped shape the country's approach to democracy, security, and economic development. His reforms and policies influenced Colombia's trajectory in the early 21st century, setting the stage for subsequent political developments.

## Notable For
- Served as the 39th President of Colombia (2002–2010)
- Implemented constitutional reforms in 2008
- Led the peace process with the FARC
- Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2008)
- Awarded the Golden Plate Award by the American Academy of Achievement
- Honorary doctor of Peking University
- Recipient of the Medal of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay
- Winner of the Xavier Villaurrutia Award

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Álvaro Uribe Vélez was born on July 4, 1952. He pursued higher education at multiple prestigious institutions, including Harvard Law School, St Antony's College (Oxford), the University of Antioquia, Harvard University, and Georgetown University. His academic background laid the foundation for his career in law and politics.

### Political Career
Uribe Vélez began his political career as a lawyer and later became involved in the Centro Democrático political party. In 2002, he was elected as the 39th President of Colombia, succeeding Andrés Pastrana. His presidency was marked by a focus on economic reforms, security policies, and democratic governance.

### Presidency (2002–2010)
During his tenure, Uribe Vélez implemented significant constitutional reforms in 2008, which aimed to strengthen democratic institutions and reduce political corruption. He also played a key role in the peace process with the FARC, negotiating the 2016 peace agreement that ended the country's longest internal conflict. His presidency was characterized by both achievements and controversies, including the extradition of former President Luis Carlos Galán and the passage of the 2008 constitutional reform.

### Awards and Recognition
Uribe Vélez received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States in 2008. He was also awarded the Golden Plate Award by the American Academy of Achievement, the honorary doctorate from Peking University, and the Medal of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Additionally, he won the Xavier Villaurrutia Award for his contributions to literature and political thought.

### Legacy
Álvaro Uribe Vélez's presidency left a lasting impact on Colombia's political and economic landscape. His leadership during a period of transition helped shape the country's approach to democracy, security, and economic development. His reforms and policies influenced Colombia's trajectory in the early 21st century, setting the stage for subsequent political developments.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.senado.gov.co/el-senado/senadores/213-directorio/204-uribe-velez-alvaro-)
2. [Source](http://congresovisible.org/congresistas/perfil/alvaro-uribe-velez/8439/#tab=4)
3. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/person/uribe-velez-alvaro-1952)
4. [Premio Xavier Villaurrutia](https://literatura.inba.gob.mx/premio-xavier-villaurrutia.html)
5. [Source](https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090113-7.html)
6. [Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China](http://www.moe.gov.cn/s78/A22/xwb_left/moe_829/tnull_44386.html)
7. [Resolución N° 1639/003. ENTREGA DE MEDALLA DE LA REPUBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY. ALVARO URIBE VELEZ. COLOMBIA. National Directorate of Official Printings and Publications. 2003](https://www.impo.com.uy/bases/resoluciones/1639-2003)
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. GeneaStar
11. Roglo
12. Munzinger Personen
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](https://www.dw.com/es/expresidente-colombiano-%C3%A1lvaro-uribe-da-positivo-por-coronavirus/a-54453293)
15. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/ckgl04163ygo)
16. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line