A woman from Tumaco is today the new minister for Sciences And with it begins a new phase in this portfolio that seeks to get closer to communities. Anthropologist and sociologist, Yesenia Olya, arrived at a crucial moment after the approval in the legislature of 6 strategic articles for science included in the National Development Plan of the Petroleum Government.
One lays the foundations for the future creation of what will be the National Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation. In this regard, the head of the portfolio noted: “It is very important because since 2019, when the Minciencias were created, we do not have an agency that implements policies”.
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He added that another of the strategic articles that have been included in the national development plan is related to mission-oriented policies, which consist of the regulations on food sovereignty. “One of the urgent issues is to strengthen the ministry’s management and presence in the regions because the communities are already undertaking various projects,” he noted.
The anthropologist holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree from the University of Mexico. She was also a research fellow at the “Hutchins Center for African American and African Research” at Harvard University. The new minister believes that science can enhance interdisciplinary discussion.
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Yesenia Olaya took office as the new Minister of Science on May 1, following a cabinet reshuffle that left seven officials out of Gustavo Petro’s government. The head of the file explained that one of the biggest challenges she faces is positioning the flag as a right that contributes to the peace project of the national government. “We will also carry out actions that allow the promotion of basic sciences, scientific professions, training and linking of doctors for the scientific and technological development of Colombia,” he added.
Alaya, at 33, is the youngest in President Gustavo Petro’s current cabinet.
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