Mexico City, October 31, 2024. On October 10 and 11, the Universidad Panamericana held a ten-hour intensive course entitled "Global Crisis of Forced Displacement and the Global Crisis of Forced Displacement and the Humanitarian Assistance Systemgiven by Dr. Gonzalo Sánchez-Terán Dr. Gonzalo Sánchez-Teránan expert in humanitarian response from the Center for International Humanitarian Cooperation at Fordham Fordham University.
This event, organized in collaboration with Scholas Occurrentes and areas of Panamericana such as the Humanities Institute and the Directorate of International Affairsbrought together 186 participants, including students, academics andThe meeting brought together 186 participants, including students, academics and professionals, who reflected on the humanitarian challenges and the importance of global governance and effective actions to address the current migration crisis.
The humanitarian context
In his opening speech, Dr. Alberto Ross Dr. Alberto RossDirector of the Pan American Institute of Humanities, highlighted the magnitude of the migration phenomenon: "Today, more than 108 million people in the world have been forcibly displaced, which means that one out of every 74 inhabitants is a migrant or refugee.".
He underscored Pan American's commitment to humanitarian principles and the Christian vision of human dignity, noting that. "the encounter with each migrant is also an encounter with Christ, a reminder that God walks in the midst of the most vulnerable and marginalized in our society.".
Dr. Ross also referred to the words of Pope Francis on the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugeesrecalling the Pope's call to see migrants as "a living image of God's people on their way to their eternal homeland. "a living image of God's people on the way to the eternal homeland.".
This reflection connects the phenomenon of migration with the biblical story of the exodus, in which displaced people face deserts, hunger and oppression, as did the people of Israel in their search for freedom and hope.
The urgency of addressing the displacement crisis
The Gabriela ValdiviesoGabriela Valdivieso, Corporate Director of International Affairs, highlighted the relevance of dedicating time and reflection to a topic that is often neglected in the public agenda. "Maybe some have only seen some 20-second reel on Sudan, but as I heard Professor Gonzalo say a few days ago: '10 million displaced people deserve more than 20 seconds of our attention.'"said Ms. Valdivieso.
She encouraged the participants to open their hearts and minds to face realities that may seem far away, but are, in fact, ever closer. The director also stressed the importance of empathy and openness empathy and openness, inviting attendees to listen, especially when they find themselves in disagreement..
The importance of meeting and getting to know each other
During the course sessions, Dr. Sánchez-Terán addressed topics such as international humanitarian law, environmental refugees due to climate change, and the fundamental principles of the humanitarian assistance system. International Humanitarian Law, environmental refugees due to climate change, and the fundamental principles of the humanitarian assistance system.
In addition, he analyzed the institutional structures and current challenges of the current challenges of the global aid system, including its limitations andincluding its limitations and possible avenues for improvement.
The experience was an opportunity for deep learning and reflection, in which attendees explored the complex nuances of migration and associated human rights issues.
Strategic collaboration with Scholas
The event not only strengthened Universidad Panamericana 's commitment to humanitarian issues, but also reaffirmed its partnership with Scholas reaffirmed its partnership with Scholas Occurrentes, an international organization founded by Pope Francis.an international organization founded by Pope Francis.
This collaboration, which dates back to 2016, and for which the Panamericana campus Guadalajara held the VII International Congress of Scholas in September, is consolidated with initiatives such as this course, reflecting a shared vision of promoting social shared vision of promoting social integration and the culture of encounter through education.
"This course not only provided us with knowledge, but also reminded us of the urgency of to respond to the challenges of displaced persons and refugees, promoting global action based on justice, fraternity and solidarity."concluded Dr. Ross.
The Universidad Panamericana, together with Scholas, seeks to continue promoting this type of space for dialogue and reflection, motivating the university community to act in the face of one of the most pressing crises of our time. to act in the face of one of the most pressing crises of our time.
A commitment that transcends borders
At the close of the event, Ms. Valdivieso thanked Dr. Sánchez-Terán, as well as the organizers and participants, for making possible such a valuable space for learning and awareness. "We are fortunate to be able to dedicate these hours to explore realities that are foreign to us, but that also call us to action," she concluded.he concluded.
The Universidad Panamericana, through its many initiatives, reinforces its commitment to internationalization and dialogue on global issues, positioning itself as a relevant actor in the construction of a more empathetic and committed society. relevant actor in the construction of a more empathetic and committed society..
Learn more about the Pan American Humanities Institute at: https://www.up.edu.mx/educacion-universidad-instituto-de-humanidades/
