The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Champion Information Integrity and Safer Digital Environments at High-Profile Event in Bogotá
In a significant step toward fostering a healthier digital landscape, Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, participated in the Responsible Digital Future Summit at Universidad EAN in Bogotá, Colombia. The event, which brought together thought leaders, experts, activists, and community members, was a collaborative effort between The Archewell Foundation, the Office of the Vice President of Colombia, and Luminate, a global philanthropic organisation dedicated to empowering people and institutions to work for just and fair societies.
Harry and Meghan – Commitment to Digital Integrity
The summit marked an important moment in the couple’s ongoing commitment to combating disinformation and promoting ethical practices online. “With the Archewell Foundation, I and my wife believe that information integrity is a fundamental right,” Prince Harry emphasised during one of the discussions. His sentiments were echoed by Meghan, who highlighted the pervasive impact of online harms: “We should model how we want our kids to be raised and for the world in which we raise them. It doesn’t matter where you live. It doesn’t matter who you are. You or someone you know is a victim of what’s happening online. And that’s something we can work on daily to remedy.”
Key Participants and Discussions
The summit featured an impressive lineup of participants, including Nobel Peace Prize winner and American journalist Maria Ressa, known for her fearless reporting on social media and disinformation. The Sussexes first connected with Ressa during a TIME magazine event in 2020, where they talked about the challenges journalists face and the critical role social media plays in shaping public discourse. Their shared concerns about the digital landscape made Ressa’s presence at the summit particularly poignant.
Welcoming Ceremony in Colombia
Earlier in the day, Prince Harry and Meghan were warmly welcomed to Colombia by Vice President Francia Márquez and her partner, Rafael Yerney Pinillos. Vice President Márquez, a globally recognised advocate for environmental justice and human rights, hosted the couple at her official residence for a formal audience. The meeting was marked by an intimate and heartfelt exchange over coffee, tea, and traditional pan de Bono, a Colombian cheese bread.
Vice President Márquez’s Vision
During this gathering, Vice President Márquez shared her deep passion for Colombia’s rich heritage, her commitment to mental health, and her dedication to preventing online harms—issues that resonated strongly with the Duke and Duchess. The Vice President, who has been a steadfast defender of marginalized communities and Colombia’s natural heritage, expressed her excitement about the visit in a statement released ahead of their arrival: “They will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress. In addition to these meaningful interactions, the Duke and Duchess will experience the rich heritage of Colombia.”
Conclusion of the Summit
The summit at Universidad EAN concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to continue working towards a safer and more responsible digital future. Shauna Nep, co-executive director of Archewell Foundation, also attended the event, reinforcing the foundation’s ongoing efforts in this critical area. As the Sussexes continue their advocacy on the global stage, their participation in this summit underscores their dedication to tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time.
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