Activism and social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean: 65 years after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution

Activism and social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean: 65 years after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution

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INTERNATIONAL FORUM
Activism and social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean
65 years after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution

September 30 to October 2 | University of Havana, Cuba

Platform for Social Dialogue: Social Movements and Activism in Latin America and the Caribbean

Opening Act
Aula Magna – University of Havana

Karina Batthyány with Eduardo Martínez Díaz, Minister of Science, Technology and Environment of Cuba

From right to left: Karina Batthyány, Executive Director of CLACSO; Miriam Nicado, Rector of the University of Havana; María Isabel Domínguez, from the Center for Psychological and Sociological Research (CIPS) and representative of the CLACSO Steering Committee in Cuba; Eduardo Martínez DíazMinister of Science, Technology and Environment of Cuba; and Pablo VommaroAcademic Secretary of CLACSO.

El International Forum Activism and social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean: 65 years after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution It is part of the Platform for Social Dialogue Social movements and activism in Latin America and the Caribbean which CLACSO has been promoting since 2022. 

Dialogue Table 1. Conceptual issues on activism and social movements
Organized by the Juan Marinello Cuban Institute of Cultural Research

Dialogue Table 2. The historical significance of the Cuban Revolution for social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean. A contemporary perspective
Organized by the Juan Marinello Cuban Institute of Cultural Research

Dialogue Table 3. Emerging issues of activism and social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean
Organized by the Institute of Philosophy of the University of Havana

Conversation: CLACSO's publishing activity and presentation of publications
Organized by Casa de las Américas

Dialogue Table 4. Social movements and international migrations in Latin America, the Caribbean and Cuba
Organized by the Center for Demographic Studies of the University of Havana

Dialogue Table 5. Democracy, cultural disputes, identities and social movements
Organized by the Network of Studies of Cuban and Latin American Cultural Identity and the Center for Martí Studies

Meeting with social movements. Exchange of experiences with activists and members of Cuban social movements
Organized by the Criticism Section of the Hermanos Saiz Association 

Seminar: Conversations about Gerard Pierre Charles and Haiti at the beginning of the 21st century
Organized by the Norman Girvan Chair of Caribbean Studies at the University of Havana and the CLACSO Working Group on Crisis, Responses and Alternatives in the Greater Caribbean

Greetings to the Forum and the Round Table: Critical Thinking: The Work of Gerard Pierre-Charles  

                                                                                Suzy Castor 
Petion-Ville October 2, 2024 

 

To Professor Milagros Martínez, Executive Secretary of the Norman Girván Chair of Caribbean Studies at the University of Havana, and to all the members of that center, my sincerest congratulations for their valuable work, as well as my thanks for their commitment to organizing this panel.

To Karina Batthyány, Executive Director, and to all members of CLACSO, my recognition and admiration for your contribution to the development of critical thinking, the advancement of Social Sciences, and Latin American integration.

To all colleagues and friends participating in this forum about Activism and social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean, 65 years after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, My warmest greetings.

Today, this event, by framing the recent evolution of our Latin American and Caribbean countries 65 years after the Cuban Revolution, not only commemorates a historic feat with its own significance and identity, but also pays tribute to its endless struggles and renewed victories, despite the ruthless and senseless harassment it has had—and continues to have—to face. The impact of that extraordinary popular victory undoubtedly constitutes a turning point in the life of our hemisphere.

Therefore, it is almost impossible for me to express the emotion, both personal and familial, as well as that of the Haitian community, for the panel dedicated to Gérard Pierre-Charles at this event. Appreciating this honor in its entirety, we express our deepest gratitude. Gérard, an immense Haitian, Caribbean, Latin American, and universal man, projected himself through his presence, actions, and work, bequeathing us a great legacy. Through his life and convictions, he embodied a humanity characterized by struggle, joy, understanding, suffering, knowledge, serenity, and tenderness. Significantly, his death at the age of 68 in Havana on October 10, 2004, underscores the triangle in which his life unfolded: Cuba, Mexico, and Haiti. 

Haiti will be present in this panel discussion on his thought. I am convinced that the reflections and analyses of the distinguished speakers, in their diversity, will undoubtedly shed much light on his knowledge, understanding, and vision of Haiti. They will recall a nation that, coincidentally, on January 1, 1804, marked the beginning of the end of slavery and colonialism in world history, projecting the universality of human equality and true international solidarity.

At the time of his departure, Gérard was aware of the great challenge that nation-building represented at the beginning of the 21st century, in a world not only of great changes but of a changing era. As Haiti celebrated its bicentenary of independence in 2004, it entered a period of increasing uncertainty, frustration, and a very complicated race toward the abyss that continues to this day. 

However, a man of conviction, faithful to his ideals, Gérard always lucidly emphasized the relentless pursuit of change for a society of justice and freedom for the people, and their determination to fight and move forward. Despite the negative images that many were happy to spread, Gérard Pierre-Charles was convinced of the resilience, creativity, capacity, and ingenuity of our people. He knew he could dream of this great collective project of transformation and the construction of a more sustainable, just, and dignified Haiti. He also dreamed of true international solidarity to embark on the path of a new era.

It is no coincidence that one of his last works is titled Haiti: The utopia despite everything.

Good work at the table. And once again, thank you all.

Opening of the IX Conference on Strategic Studies
Organized by the Center for International Policy Research
Headquarters: Higher Institute of International Relations

TRAINING WORKSHOP 1. Cuba-USA Relations. Perspectives and Challenges
Organized by the Center for Hemispheric and United States Studies and the CLACSO Working Group on United States Studies  

TRAINING WORKSHOP 2. José Martí. Identity, democracy, decolonization and cultural war
Organized by the Center for Martí Studies and the CLACSO/CEM José Martí Special Group: Thought and Action

TRAINING WORKSHOP 3. Social policies in the Cuban context. Academia-politics dialogue
Organized by FLACSO Cuba, the Social Policy Network and the CLACSO Working Group What Development? Multi-stakeholder and multi-level dialogues

TRAINING WORKSHOP 4. The world economic order and the challenges for development in the current context. Challenges for Latin America, the Caribbean and Cuba
Organized by the Center for International Economic Research of the University of Havana and the Center for World Economy Research

Meeting with CLACSO Member Centers of Cuba

This event aimed to create a space for encounter and critical reflection within the framework of the 65th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. This milestone invites us to look back and recognize the profound social and political transformations that the Revolution brought about in the region, while simultaneously looking toward the future to understand the challenges and opportunities that social movements face today.

The Cuban Revolution represented a turning point in the history of Latin America and the Caribbean, inspiring millions to fight for social justice, sovereignty, and the self-determination of peoples. Its legacy remains relevant today, especially in the context of emerging struggles and issues, such as environmental, migrant, and territorial rights.

The Forum sought to recapture the spirit that inspired previous generations and connect it with the current struggles of social movements. These movements have historically been drivers of change and democratic deepening, promoting citizen participation and the construction of more just and equitable societies. The aim is to recognize the historical roots of these movements, but also to analyze the new forms of organization and alliances they are forging today to confront the challenges of an increasingly complex global context, marked by political and cultural disputes and the need to redefine collective identities.

In this sense, the Forum offered itself as a space for dialogue and mutual learning, where the experiences of different generations of activists could enrich and strengthen each other. By sharing their struggles, strategies, and challenges, participants were able to build a shared vision of the future and strengthen their capacity to influence social transformation.

The event included various activities:

  • Training workshops
  • Social dialogue tables
  • conversations
  • Book presentations
  • Seminars
  • Encounters with social movements

These spaces were conceived as instances of training, exchange and social dialogue, where axes were presented to energize the debates on the central theme of the Forum among a diversity of participants such as researchers, public policy decision-makers and members of social organizations.

TRAINING WORKSHOPS – SOCIAL DIALOGUE TABLES – BOOK PRESENTATIONS
CONVERSATIONS – MEETINGS WITH SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

GENERAL PROGRAM OF THE INTERNATIONAL FORUM

Headquarters: Convention Center, Varona Building, University of Havana 

Participate

  • Dr. Miriam Nicado (Cuba)
    Rector of the University of Havana
  • Dr. Karina Batthyány (Uruguay)
    Executive Director of CLACSO
  • Dr. María Isabel Domínguez (Cuba)
    Center for Psychological and Sociological Research (CIPS)
    Representative of the CLACSO Steering Committee

Moderator:
Dr. Pablo Vommaro (Argentina)
Academic Secretary of CLACSO (Argentina)

Organized by the Juan Marinello Cuban Institute of Cultural Research
Headquarters: Convention Center, Varona Building, University of Havana 

Participate

  • Luis Emilio Aybar (Cuba)
    Juan Marinello Cuban Institute of Cultural Research
  • Georgina Alfonso (Cuba)
    Institute of Philosophy, University of Havana
  • Ana María Morales Troya (Ecuador)
    FLACSO Ecuador
    CLACSO Working Group on Popular Economies: Theoretical and Practical Mapping
  • Lia Pinheiro (Brazil)
    Post-Graduation Program in Sociology, Humanities Center, State University of Ceará
    Representative of the CLACSO Steering Committee
  • Carolina Jimenez (Colombia)
    Department of Political Science, National University of Colombia
    Representative of the CLACSO Steering Committee

Moderator:
Alberto Pérez Lara (Cuba)
Institute of Philosophy, University of Havana

 

Organized by the Juan Marinello Cuban Institute of Cultural Research
Headquarters: Convention Center, Varona Building, University of Havana 

Participate

  • Fernando Luis Rojas (Cuba)
    House of the Americas
  • Llanisca Lugo (Cuba)
    Martin Luther King Memorial Center
    CLACSO Working Group on Marxisms and Resistances of the Global South
  • Azael Carrera (Panama)
    Center for Latin American Studies “Justo Arosemena” and University of Panama
    Representative of the CLACSO Steering Committee
  • Mauricio Sandoval Cordero (Costa Rica)
    Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences, Costa Rica
    CLACSO Working Group History and current situation: Marxist perspectives 
  • Darío Salinas (Mexico)
    Ibeoamerican University
    CLACSO Working Group on Studies of the United States

Moderator:
Charity Masson (Cuba)
Juan Marinello Cuban Institute of Cultural Research

Organized by the Institute of Philosophy
Headquarters: Convention Center, Varona Building, University of Havana 

Participate

  • Marilín Peña (Cuba)
    Martin Luther King Memorial Center
  • Anabel Antuña (Cuba)
    FLACSO and the Feminist University Network
  • Gil Green (Cuba)
    Vice President of the Chair of Gender and Human Development at UCLV
    Coordinator of the Trans Male Group of Cuba
  • Monica Ulloa Gomez (Costa Rica)
    Faculty of Social Sciences, National University
    CLACSO Working Group on Religions and Society: Tensions, Diversities, and Mobilizations in Debate
  • Gloria Amézquita (Dominican Republic) 
    Alternative City Research Team
    Representative of the CLACSO Steering Committee
    CLACSO Working Group Crisis, responses and alternatives in the Greater Caribbean

Moderator:
Yohanka León (Cuba)
Institute of Philosophy
CLACSO Working Group on Marxisms and Resistances of the Global South

Organized by Casa de las Américas
Location: Casa de las Américas | 3rd and G, Havana

During this meeting, several publications available in open access at the Latin American and Caribbean Social Sciences Library of CLACSO will be presented.

Participate

Moderate and comment
María Fernanda Pampín (Argentina)
Director of Publications at CLACSO

 

 

Organized by the Center for Demographic Studies of the University of Havana
Location: Convention Center, Varona Building, University of Havana 

Participate

  • Antonio Aja (Cuba)
    Center for Demographic Studies of the University of Havana
  • Ana Niria Albo (Cuba)
    House of the Americas
  • Juan Carlos Alfonso (Cuba)
    National Office of Statistics and Information of Cuba
  • Tania Pierre Charles (Haiti)
    Research and Training and Social Center for Development
    Representative of the CLACSO Steering Committee

Moderator:
Consuelo Martín (Cuba) 
Center for Demographic Studies of the University of Havana

They are organized by the Network of Identities and the Center for Martí Studies
Headquarters: Convention Center, Varona Building, University of Havana 

Participate

  • Marlene Vazquez (Cuba)
    Center for Martí Studies
    CLACSO/CEM José Martí Special Group: Thought and Action
  • Yadira Victoria García (Cuba) 
    Network of identities
  • Maricelys Manzano (Cuba) 
    Network of identities
  • Maydi Bayona (Cuba)
    Chair of Caribbean Studies, Vice-Rectorate for International Relations and Postgraduate Studies, University of Havana
    CLACSO Working Group Bodies, Territories, Resistances
  • Isabel Piper (Chile)
    Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Chile
    CLACSO Working Group on Collective Memories and Practices of Resistance 

Moderator:
Elaine Morales (Cuba)
Juan Marinello Cuban Institute of Cultural Research
Coordinator of the Identities Network

 

Organized by the Criticism Section of the Hermanos Saiz Association
Location: Cuba Pavilion, 23rd Street, Havana 

Meeting with representatives of various civil society organizations, activists, and social movements to exchange experiences and feelings under a guiding question:

How can we walk together in times of individualism?

At a planetary level, the capitalist system benefits from, and therefore promotes, the fragmentation of social causes.

How can we combat these trends, with a focus not only on Cuba, but also on the Latin American and Caribbean continent as a whole?

What experiences can we learn from each other to achieve greater synergy in our actions?

All these questions invite us to debate, for which we will interact through words, but also through the visual representation of the different groups.

Participants are asked to bring their colors, flags and other identifications, images, leaflets, and any type of support that shows the identity and actions of the groups.

PARTICIPANTS

  • National Association of the Blind of Cuba (ANCI)
  • National Association of the Deaf of Cuba (ANSOC)
  • Cuban Association of People with Physical-Motor Disabilities (ACLIFIM)
  • Cuban Association of People with Intellectual Disabilities (ACPDI)
  • Union of Young Communists - Havana (UJC)
  • Youth Technical Brigades - Havana (BTJ)
  • José Martí Art Instructors Brigade - Havana (BJM)
  • José Martí Pioneer Organization - Havana (OPJM)
  • Union of Young Communists (UJC-UH)
  • University Student Federation of the University of Havana (FEU-UH)
  • Feminist Network of the University of Havana (RM-UH)
  • Martí Youth Movement
  • Martin Luther King Center (CMLK)
  • Maroons
  • Youth Network for Social Equity
  • "Ireti Bookstore" Community Project
  • Cuban Hiking Movement

Organized by the "Norman Girvan" Chair of Caribbean Studies at the University of Havana and the CLACSO Working Group on Crisis, Responses and Alternatives in the Greater Caribbean
Venue: Room 250, José M. Varona Building, University of Havana

PROGRAM

9:00 to 9:30 AM - Welcome words

  • Antonio Romero Gómez (Cuba)
    President of the Norman Girvan Chair of Caribbean Studies
    University of Havana
  • Gloria Amézquita (Dominican Republic)
    Alternative City Research Team
    Representative of the CLACSO Steering Committee
    CLACSO Working Group Crisis, responses and alternatives in the Greater Caribbean

9:00 to 9:30 AM - Round table
Critical thinking in Haiti. The work of Gerard Pierre Charles

Participate

  • Tania Pierre Charles (Haiti)
    Research and Training and Social Center for Development
    Representative of the CLACSO Steering Committee
  • Camila Valdés  (Cuba)
    House of the Americas
  • Felix Valdez (Cuba)
    House of the Americas
  • Nancy Morejón (Cuba) 
    House of the Americas

Moderator:
Milagros Martínez Reinosa (Cuba)
Executive Secretary of the Norman Girvan Chair of Caribbean Studies
University of Havana

Comment
Armando Fernández Soriano (Cuba)
Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation
CLACSO Working Group Crisis, responses and alternatives in the Greater Caribbean

10:45 to 11:00 AM - Break

11:15 to 12:30 PM - Keynote Address
Crisis in Haiti and prospects for a solution

expose
Antonio Romero Gómez (Cuba)
President of the Norman Girvan Chair of Caribbean Studies
University of Havana 

Comment
Milagros Martínez Reinosa (Cuba)
Executive Secretary of the Norman Girvan Chair of Caribbean Studies
University of Havana

10:00 to 12:30 PM - Closing remarks

Milagros Martínez Reinosa (Cuba)
Executive Secretary of the Norman Girvan Chair of Caribbean Studies
University of Havana

 

 

Organized by the Center for International Policy Research
Headquarters: Higher Institute of International Relations | 4JV4+HR8, Calzada, Havana, Cuba

Welcome words

  • José Ramón Cabañas (Cuba)
    Director of the Center for International Policy Research
  • Josefina Vidal (Cuba)
    Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba 
  • Karina Batthyány (Uruguay)
    Executive Director CLACSO

Inaugural Panel: 65 Years of Revolutionary Foreign Policy. Impact on International Relations

Participate

  • Pablo Vommaro (Argentina)
    Professor at the University of Buenos Aires and researcher at CONICET
  • Gladys Hernandez (Cuba)
    Center for World Economy Research
    CLACSO Working Group on Studies of the United States
    CLACSO Working Group: China and the map of world power
  • Darío Salinas (Mexico)
    Ibero-American University (Mexico)
    CLACSO Working Group on Studies of the United States
  • Oscar Oramas (Cuba)
    Higher Institute of International Relations
  • Pavel Alemán (Cuba)
    Center for International Policy Research

Moderator:
María Elena Álvarez (Cuba)
Higher Institute of International Relations

Center for Psychological and Sociological Research (CIPS)
Calle B No. 352, corner of 15, Havana, Cuba

The workshops will take place on Wednesday, October 2nd.

Organized by the Center for Hemispheric and United States Studies and the CLACSO Working Group on United States Studies 
Venue: Convention Center, Varona Building, University of Havana 

Foundation

The Cuban Revolution represented a turning point in the history of Latin America and the Caribbean, inspiring millions to fight for social justice, sovereignty, and the self-determination of peoples. Beginning in 1959 with the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, a new government took the first steps toward implementing a program of structural transformations that began to incorporate new property and class relations, limiting the possibilities for private capital accumulation. The new Cuban government, the result of a genuine social revolution, undertook these actions as a means to achieve economic and political sovereignty, as well as social justice. In terms of foreign policy, this meant breaking the bonds of economic dependence and subordination to the geopolitical interests of the United States in the Latin American and Caribbean region and the rest of the world. The response of the imperial elite since then has been aimed at destroying the Cuban Revolution.  

Participate

  • Olga Rosa González Martín (Cuba)
    Center for Hemispheric and United States Studies 
    Cuba - USA. An analysis of US media and political discourse surrounding the Revolution on its 65th anniversary
  • Raul Rodriguez Rodriguez (Cuba)
    Center for Hemispheric and United States Studies 
    Economic warfare as a pillar of US foreign policy towards Cuba
  • Rafael González Morales (Cuba)
    Center for Hemispheric and United States Studies 
    United States - Cuba: Regime change programs

 

 

 

 

Organized by the Center for Martí Studies and the CLACSO/CEM José Martí Special Group: Thought and Action
Headquarters: Center for Martí Studies | Calzada 807 corner of 4, Vedado, Cuba

Foundation

Currently, profound transformations in perceptions of the contemporary world, in the values ​​that guide human behavior, and in decision-making across different sociopolitical sectors are leading to a standardization of human life and an accelerated loss of sociodiversity. This establishes the false premise of a single way of life, governance, and knowledge, which benefits hegemonic capitalist power groups and threatens the evolution of the human species and the health of the planet. In this sense, it is urgent to critically study national realities and the continental whole; to develop strategies for teaching our history from within, from our own truths, but with a universal perspective; to protect historical memory from self-serving plundering and distortion; to continue influencing the sphere of communication with our own resources; and to expand its strategic reach. In this regard, Martí's work is a significant theoretical tool that helps interpret contemporary reality and provides guidelines that can help transform and address current phenomena such as cultural decolonization. It allows the development of critical thinking to move to the counter-offensive in the communicative field, using cultural codes with intelligence and moderation. 

Objectives

To explain José Martí's democratic conception of republic, based on the work with his journalistic texts in order to understand the validity and feasibility of his democratic ideas in the current context.

To demonstrate the decolonizing character of Martí's thought, based on the analysis of essays and speeches for the apprehension of instruments that develop critical thinking based on autochthony and the Our American vision.

To analyze the ideological dispute in the media, based on the characterization of the ways in which the figure of the Apostle is appropriated by the dissimilar socio-political actors in order to foster social consensus around deep knowledge and education in Martí's values.

Expected conclusions

Reflection on the relevance and current state of Martí's thought in the search for democratic and decolonizing solutions to the problems that affect peace and balance in the world.

Participate

Workers from the Center for Martí Studies (CEM), schools near the CEM, members of the Martí Youth Movement, the Cultural Society
José Martí and the Municipal Government.

  • Laura Rodríguez de la Cruz (Cuba)
    Center for Martí Studies
    José Martí. Ideas on democracy. The role of the electoral system and the opposition. Political partisanship
  • Marlene Vázquez Pérez (Cuba) 
    Center for Martí Studies
    Decolonizing thought of José Martí. Vindication of Cuba. Content, scope and projections of the essay Our America
  • Gladys González Martínez (Cuba)
    Vice President of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC) and researcher at the Center for Martí Studies
    José Martí. The ideological dispute. Communication studies. The media as a socially constructed phenomenon. José Martí on social media.

Organized by FLACSO Cuba, the Social Policy Network and the CLACSO Working Group What Development? Multi-actor and Multi-level Dialogues
Venue: Convention Center, Varona Building, University of Havana 

Foundation

The Training Workshop will foster reflection on the challenges of social policies in Cuba and the academic-political dialogue surrounding these issues. Among the topics to be addressed are: their relevance to the Cuban development model, their principles, recent transformations, and main challenges—including economic sustainability and the preservation of equity, justice, and social inclusion—within a context characterized by a profound economic crisis, with negative effects on the population's standard of living, the quality of social services, and the increase in poverty and vulnerability. Within this framework, the academic-political dialogue within the governance system has been expanded and systematized, and experiences related to inclusive development, social equity, and the management of COVID-19 will be presented.

Expected conclusions

Following the initial presentations by the panelists, the topics mentioned will be discussed in a workshop format, with the aim of presenting different perspectives on the subject matter and developing proposals for social policies. 

Participate

  • Silvia Odriozola (Cuba)
    Faculty of Economics, University of Havana
    Overview of Cuban social policy, the challenge of its economic sustainability
  • Geydis Fundora (Cuba)
    FLACSO Cuba
    Academia-politics dialogues for inclusive social development 
  • María del Carmen Zabala (Cuba)
    FLACSO Cuba
    Dialogues on social equity
  • Danay Díaz (Cuba)
    FLACSO Cuba
    Academia-politics dialogues in the context of COVID-19 

Moderate and comment
Ana Isabel Peñate (Cuba)
FLACSO Cuba

Organized by the Center for International Economic Research of the University of Havana and the Center for World Economy Research
Venue: Convention Center, Varona Building, University of Havana 

Foundation

This workshop is dedicated to analyzing the main dimensions of the current world economic order (trade, monetary and financial, energy, and environmental) and the challenges to development in the present context. This debate is necessary 40 years after the publication of Fidel Castro's book "The Economic and Social Crisis of the World" and 50 years after the United Nations Declaration on a New International Economic Order (NIEO). The workshop also reflects on the challenges for Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba under these conditions, considering the importance of the external sector's evolution for these nations. 

Researchers and professors from the Center for International Economic Research (CIEI), University of Havana and the Center for World Economy Research (CIEM) are participating.

Expected conclusions

The changes that have occurred in the main trends of the world economy over the last 40 years under the current world order (in contrast to the aspirations of a New International Economic Order) will be presented, along with the adverse impact of this situation on developing countries, especially the most vulnerable ones..

Participate

  • Jonathan Quirós Santos (Cuba)
    Center for World Economy Research
    Global commercial dimension
  • Gladys Hernández Pedraza  (Cuba)
    Center for World Economy Research
    Global financial dimension 
  • Ramón Pichs Madruga  (Cuba)
    Center for World Economy Research
    energy and environment 
  • Armando Amorós  (Cuba)
    Center for International Economic Research
    External trade situation of Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Luis René Fernández  (Cuba)
    Center for International Economic Research
    Latin America and the Caribbean in the US-China geopolitical and geoeconomic conflict
  • Mercedes García  (Cuba)
    Center for International Economic Research
    Financial trends and challenges for Latin America, the Caribbean and Cuba

Moderate and comment
Carola Salas (Cuba)
Center for International Economic Research

The Forum includes general questions that will guide all activities. Similarly, each dialogue includes a series of questions designed to spark discussion.

General questions

How have social movements and activism evolved in Latin America and the Caribbean in recent decades, and what role has the Cuban Revolution played in these processes?

What challenges and opportunities do social movements and activism in the Caribbean and Central America face in relation to the region's social transformations?

How can academia, social movements, and governments build strategic alliances to influence the definition of public policies that promote social and environmental justice and the protection of human rights?

Dialogue 1: Conceptual issues on activism and social movements

  • What role do past struggles and personal experiences play in social mobilization? How do they connect with the demands of current social struggles?
  • How do social movements relate to institutions and processes of hegemony? What are the tensions and possibilities for collaboration? 
  • What role does culture play in social movements? How are social struggles expressed through art, music, literature, and other forms of cultural expression, and what new problems arise from these connections?

Dialogue 2: The historical significance of the Cuban Revolution for social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean. A contemporary perspective

  • How has the influence of the Cuban Revolution on social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean evolved from its triumph on January 1, 1959, to the present day? What new challenges and opportunities arise in the current global context?
  • What are the main contributions of the Cuban Revolution to social movements in the region in terms of ideology, politics, culture, organization, and strategies for struggle? How have these contributions been incorporated into new social and political realities?
  • How are criticisms and internal debates surrounding the Cuban Revolution articulated within Latin American social movements? What lessons can be drawn from these debates to strengthen current social struggles?
  • What role does the Cuban Revolution play in the construction of political and social identities in Latin America and the Caribbean? Is the Cuban Revolution a "project of the past" in the context of current struggles for social justice, equality, and sovereignty?

Dialogue 3: Emerging issues of activism and social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean

  • How do the struggles for social justice, gender equality, and human rights intersect with emerging social demands? What challenges does the intersection of these struggles pose in the region?
  • What role do identities and diversities play in shaping new social movements? How are the struggles for recognition and representation of historically vulnerable and oppressed groups expressed?
  • How are states and international institutions responding to the demands of social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean? What strategies can these movements adopt to influence public policy and transform power structures?
  • How have digital technologies transformed the strategies, narratives, and reach of social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean? What new challenges and opportunities does this scenario present for collective action?

Dialogue 4: Social movements and international migrations in Latin America, the Caribbean and Cuba

  • How have migratory movements affected demographic dynamics at the level of each country and the region?
  • How have international migrations influenced the shaping of social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean? 
  • How have Cuban migration policies influenced social movements both inside and outside the island?
  • What is the impact of migrants' struggles on the consolidation of citizens' rights? How are the struggles for migrants' rights linked to other struggles for the transformation of host societies and to the demands of social movements in Latin America and the Caribbean? What challenges does building these connections pose?

Dialogue 5: Democracy, cultural disputes, identities and social movements

  • How are activist movements and struggles articulated with other forms of resistance, such as feminist, anti-racist and human rights movements, among others?
  • What role do identities play in the configuration and strategies of social movements?
  • How are cultural disputes and the construction of identities reshaping democratic spaces and models of political representation today?
  • What role do social movements play in defending democracy and promoting a more inclusive and equitable agenda?

  • Crisis, responses and alternatives in the Greater Caribbean
  • Bodies, territories, resistances
  • China and the map of world power
  • Studies on the United States 
  • CEM/CLACSO Special Group: José Martí. Thought and Action
  • History and current situation: Marxist perspectives
  • Childhoods and youth
  • Marxisms and resistances of the global south
  • Collective memories and resistance practices
  • What development? Multi-stakeholder and multi-level dialogues
  • Religions and society: Tensions, diversities, and mobilizations under debate

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