History of Luis Gilberto Murillo in Timeline

Luis Gilberto Murillo is a Colombian diplomat, mining engineer, and politician. He served as Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development (2016-2018) and Governor of Chocó. He experienced hardship including being kidnapped in 2000 which led to him leaving the country and ultimately living in the United States for a number of years before returning in 2011. In 2022, he was nominated as the Colombian ambassador to the United States by President Gustavo Petro.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1990: Graduation from Russian State Geological Prospecting University

In 1990, Luis Gilberto Murillo earned his bachelor's degree in mining engineering and a master's degree in engineering science from Russian State Geological Prospecting University.

1991: New Colombian Constitution

In 1991, the new Colombian Constitution was created, which generated democratic optimism, this fact helped Murillo win the elections in 1998.

1993: Appointment as Director General of CODECHOCO

In 1993, Luis Gilberto Murillo was promoted by Colombian President César Gaviria to the Office of Director General of the Corporation for Sustainable Development of the State of Chocó (CODECHOCO).

1994: Awarded Chocó Executive of the Year

In 1994, Luis Gilberto Murillo was awarded the honor as Chocó Executive of the Year for the second consecutive year.

1995: Appointment as Deputy Director of Planning of DAMA

In 1995, Luis Gilberto Murillo was appointed as the Deputy Director of Planning of the Department of Environmental Protection of Bogotá (DAMA).

1998: Election as Governor of Chocó

In 1998, Luis Gilberto Murillo was elected governor of the state of Chocó.

January 1999: Stripped of Governorship

In January 1999, Luis Gilberto Murillo was stripped of his office as governor of Chocó by a controversial court ruling.

2000: Kidnapping by an Illegal Armed Group

In 2000, Luis Gilberto Murillo was kidnapped by an illegal armed group. After being released some hours later, he left Colombia and relocated to the United States.

2000: Kidnapping and Relocation to the United States

In 2000, Luis Gilberto Murillo was kidnapped, and following his release, he moved to the United States.

2011: Return to Colombia

In 2011, Luis Gilberto Murillo returned to Colombia after living in the United States.

2011: Second Election as Governor of Chocó

In 2011, Luis Gilberto Murillo won for the second time the election for governor of Chocó.

2013: Exoneration from Disciplinary Sanction

In 2013, the office of the Colombian general Inspector freed Luis Murillo from any disciplinary sanction.

2014: Director of the Pacific Initiative

In 2014, Luis Gilberto Murillo was appointed as Director of the Pacific Initiative by President Juan Manuel Santos.

May 2016: Appointment as Minister of Environment

In May 2016, Luis Gilberto Murillo Urrutia became the first Afro-Colombian to hold the position of Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia.