Keynote speaker explores challenges to democracy in Latin America

The University of Calgary is hosting a keynote address by Chilean Senator José Miguel Insulza (above), former secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS). His visit to UCalgary presents a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most senior and experienced political and policy leaders in the western hemisphere.

This year, many significant elections are taking place throughout Latin America. Andrés Manuel López Obrador was recently elected president of Mexico. Negotiating the terms of North American economic integration in Mexico when his government takes power will surely be a challenge.

“Mexico’s movement for democratic reform under the leadership of Andrés Manuel López Obrador is an inward-looking project, but I hope that Insulza will bring his unique perspective to bear on what these and other recent electoral changes may mean for the region as a whole,” says Dr. Amelia Kiddle, PhD, associate professor of Latin American history.

Jorge Guzmán, consul general of Colombia in Calgary, is enthusiastic about Senator Insulza’s visit. “Having José Miguel Insulza in Calgary can enrich the discussion of some of the great challenges that Latin America is facing.” Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia are also grappling with different issues, from the prospects for peace in Colombia after a decades-long civil war, to the economic and humanitarian crisis unfolding in Venezuela. Many of these issues will have direct impact on Canada and Canadians.

Senator Insulza will address the series of challenges to democracy in the region, including how to make societies more inclusive and prosperous, ensure the rule of law and the absence of corruption, and make sure the appropriate checks and balances are in place among different branches of government.

The keynote address is free and open to the public. The event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 11 at 9:30 a.m. in the lobby of the EEEL building. Register here.

Dr. Hendrik Kraay, PhD, who studies the social, political, and cultural history of Brazil, said Senator Insulza’s visit presents “a very timely opportunity to reflect on key issues in a region that increasingly matters to Calgarians and Albertans.”

Senator Insulza was the secretary general of the OAS from 2005 to 2015. The OAS brings together all 35 independent states of the Americas and constitutes the main political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the hemisphere. He previously served in various cabinet positions in Chile, including as minister of the interior and minister of foreign affairs.

This event has been organized with the support of the Latin American Research Centre (LARC), Canadian Council for the Americas, Department of Political Science, School of Public Policy, and Gowling WLG.

The LARC engages students, faculty and the general public on issues related to Latin America through a variety of activities, including film screenings and festivals, a speakers series, publications on current events, conferences and workshops.