Latin America Leadership Program

By Guadalupe Ramírez

After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Political and Administrative Sciences, magna cum laude, he deepened his interest in international affairs. Pedro became particularly interested in diplomacy, especially in rebuilding the foreign ministry, which since 2005 had stopped training new leaders and public officials for diplomatic missions. At the time, however, he was not yet sure how to accomplish this goal. Nevertheless, he began traveling the world for work, learning and understanding how he might one day bring his idea to life. To date, he has represented his country and his movement in more than 50 countries.

In 2015, he was accepted into the Global Competitiveness Leadership (GCL) program for the 2016 cohort. At 25 years old, it was his first trip to the United States—and to Washington, D.C.—as well as his first time participating in a program focused on social entrepreneurship. This offered a new perspective, especially considering that his previous education had taken place at a public university where economics and entrepreneurship were largely absent, reflecting the educational lag in his country at the time.

GCL, his first experience at a U.S. university, allowed him to see another side of the world and the region. While studying at Georgetown, he discovered a new vision, a different entrepreneurial logic, the value of international law, and a deep sense of fraternity within his cohort. The university’s spirit and values—such as cura personalis, academic excellence, and holistic education—and an interest in Latin America were unlike anything he had experienced elsewhere, including previous experiences in Europe.

His project Ethos was born at GCL, referencing character as the center of ethics as defined by Aristotle. From the outset, it had a moral DNA focused on coherence between what one says, does, and is. Through Ethos, Pedro combined his passion for public service and his experience as an educator to propose the creation of a virtual or hybrid academy aimed at preparing a new generation of young people—grounded in values and a spirit of service—to join the foreign ministry. He was convinced that a democratic government would eventually come, and that it would require well-prepared people.

His project included collaboration with other public and social sector organizations, such as CLAD and the IDB, for the exchange of information and experiences, as well as securing scholarships and funding. His goal was to reach as many people as possible to generate a multiplying impact.

“GCL changed my life forever; it helped me find meaning in what I wanted to do. Being selected to participate in this program is an honor that will always stay with me. The mentorship from faculty members, the program team, guest speakers, and my cohort was decisive. My original project shifted direction to give rise to Ethos, and later that focus evolved and was applied within Vente Venezuela,” said Pedro Urruchurtu Noselli.

Upon returning to Venezuela, the political climate became increasingly overwhelming, and the project lost momentum due to limited investment capacity. However, Pedro persisted. As Training Coordinator for Vente Venezuela,
founded in 2012 by María Corina Machado—recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize—he was able to develop his vision.

For five years, he and his team mobilized citizens through public advocacy, political communication, and the use of social media to provide both theoretical and practical political education on democracy, geopolitics, and human rights. He traveled twice to each of Venezuela’s 23 states and the Capital District to conduct workshops, reaching more than 45,000 people between the ages of 18 and 45. One of the flagship initiatives was Campus Libertad, a leadership training school for high-potential young leaders.

In 2017, he took on new responsibilities as head of international affairs for Vente Venezuela and later joined the team for the 2023 primary campaign and the presidential campaign.

Convictions That Push the Limits

From the beginning of his defense of democracy and freedom, Pedro knew he could one day face retaliation. As much as possible, he prepared himself mentally for what might come, convinced that the cause was worth it. That moment arrived on March 20, 2024, when he and other opposition members of Vente Venezuela sought refuge in the Argentine embassy in Caracas after arrest warrants were issued against them by the Venezuelan Attorney General’s Office. They could not have imagined that this would become a 412-day resistance lasting until May 2025.

For 59 weeks—14 months—they endured a siege that included restrictions on visitors, food, and medicine. For five months they lived without electricity, relying on a solar-powered fan to charge their phones each morning. They went five months without running water, using and drinking contaminated water from the ambassador’s pool, while the regime allowed only three minutes of water every ten days. Without refrigerators, food spoiled quickly. All of this occurred under the intimidation of armed regime groups stationed outside the embassy. Even under these conditions, surrender was never an option. As a group, they maintained the conviction and moral obligation to resist together.

Having survived what he describes as a life-marking hell, Pedro now reflects on life’s hardships and how they have helped him confront essential questions: Who am I? Where am I going? Am I ready? What must I learn? He has reaffirmed his belief that dying for an ideal is worthwhile and says he would take the risk a thousand times again. He often recalls Friedrich Nietzsche’s phrase: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”

“If you know who you are, where you come from, and where you are going, you may be deprived of physical freedom, but not of the freedom of spirit or mind,” Pedro Urruchurtu Noselli.

Amid this harrowing experience, Pedro also found dignity and companionship in what he calls the “gozaderos” (after the song La Gozadera, popular among his generation), the affectionate nickname for his GCL 2016 cohort classmates, who consistently showed solidarity, concern, and affection. This support extended to other GCL generations and the broader LALP alumni network—demonstrating that connection and support networks extend far beyond the classroom. This support was not by chance; Pedro has remained actively engaged in and supportive of the alumni community.

When he recently learned that his cohort had unanimously nominated him for the award and that he had received support from other generations in the final round, he was deeply moved, honored, and grateful.

“Pedro embodies unwavering consistency, standing firm even at risk to his own life, demonstrating years of sustained courage in service of freedom and democracy. He has remained actively engaged in the alumni network, becoming a trusted voice from within Venezuela. For all these reasons, the GCL 2016 cohort proudly and unanimously nominates him for the GCL Impact Award 2026,” said Laura Paonessa (GCL 2016, Argentina)

Rebuild, Heal, and Move Forward Together

In light of the experiences, lessons, and challenges that can shape a person’s life, Pedro believes that each individual chooses how to respond—either by allowing hatred to take over and bring out the worst, or by striving to become a better person. He chooses the latter.

Following the events that unfolded in the early hours of January 3 in Venezuela, Pedro emphasizes that this is a key and critical moment not only for the country but also for the hemisphere and the world. His focus remains on advancing toward a true democratic transition so that citizens can have the stability and opportunities they deserve, political prisoners can be freed, and exiles can return home.

He believes that healing as a society is essential and that change requires a broad vision: it will not come from a single political force, but from joint efforts among different parties—and beyond them. He is convinced that the true driving force of the movement is the people. In this process, he highlights two fundamental keys: avoiding tunnel vision by respecting diversity of ideas, and strengthening social unity, as demonstrated in the 2024 elections.

Amid this process, Pedro continues building bridges, bringing his message of freedom and democracy to international forums and meetings with leaders of multilateral organizations, including the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, the Oslo Freedom Forum, and the OAS.

Pedro, congratulations! At LALP, we value your journey and sustained commitment, even in the most difficult contexts. We are deeply proud of you and stand with you in admiration and respect. Your path inspires not only through leadership and conviction, but also through the real and generous impact you have made within the GCL network and for generations to come.

Bio– Pedro Urruchurtu Noselli

Pedro Urruchurtu Noselli is a Venezuelan political scientist, professor, and liberal activist with a background in international relations and the defense of democracy and human rights. He serves as International Relations Coordinator for María Corina Machado’s team and for Vente Venezuela, building connections with liberal networks such as RELIAL and Liberal International. He has held roles within IFLRY and has dedicated himself to training young leaders and engaging in political communication, promoting the ideas of freedom and good governance in challenging contexts.

The GCL Alumni Board of Directors invites GCL Alumni to the GCL Alumni Townhall, where they will feature Pedro Urruchurtu live and share upcoming activities for the Alumni community.

Tuesday, March 3rd at 5:00 PM EST!