The Simón Bolívar Award celebrates its 50th anniversary and is touring the country.

As part of the 50th anniversary of the Simón Bolívar National Journalism Award, Grupo Bolívar joined forces with UNAB to bring together journalists, academics, and students for a day of reflection and learning about the challenges of the profession in times of digital transformation and polarization. The event began with a breakfast led by Miguel Cortés, president of Grupo Bolívar, and Juan Camilo Montoya, rector of the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga.

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The meeting brought together journalists from traditional and independent media outlets, as well as academic representatives, students, and panelists, in a space to exchange ideas and reflections on the challenges of journalism.

The conversation flowed between the voice of experience and the fresh perspectives of young journalists, in a shared reflection on the role of journalism in social transformation and the defense of democracy and truth . Academic Panels: Transformation, Challenges, and New Generations The academic day began with remarks from the rector of the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga, Juan Camilo Montoya, who highlighted the institution's commitment to training critical, ethical communicators committed to the truth.

Miguel Cortés, president of Grupo Bolívar, then emphasized the importance of listening to the new generations and strengthening journalism from the territories.

The first panel opened the door for reflection on research and the accuracy of information with the participation of renowned journalist Alberto Donadio, winner of the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The conversation was moderated by Nina Cabra, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts at UNAB. The day concluded with a panel on the financial sustainability of media outlets, where experts from the media ecosystem in Bucaramanga shared experiences, dilemmas, and lessons learned. Javier Florez, director of the Metropolitano (Metropolitan University of Buenos Aires), and Laura Sanabria, editor of La Silla Vacía, participated. The conversation was moderated by Professor Ricardo Jaramillo. Innovation to Combat Disinformation Prior to the main event, an innovation challenge was held where young people from universities in Bucaramanga designed digital solutions to combat disinformation on social media and enhance data journalism through the exploration, cross-referencing, and visualization of public data. The students worked using an innovation methodology structured in four phases: research, ideation and concept, prototyping and validation, and impact solution. Four teams were finalists and had the opportunity to present their ideas during the main event. Interactive Exhibition: 50 Years of Inspiring Stories The event also featured the Simón Bolívar National Journalism Award traveling exhibition, a digital and interactive display that compiles the winning works in cartoons and journalistic photography from five decades.

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