The international Leaders of the World conference was held at UCA March 3-7 in Wingo Hall where participants discussed how to better network connections and build community.
Keynote speaker Christina Alvarez Rodriguez, Buenos Aires Minister of Government and Executive of Museo Evita Research Center, spoke about her great aunt Evita Perón Monday and Wednesday at the conference.
Rodriguez said that Perón inspired her to speak and be the person she is today.
“Evita was the sister of my grandmother and so I’m her niece,” Rodriquez said. “However, Evita is much more than that. Evita put the heart [in]the political struggle and its history has inspired thousands with her example of dedication. Evita is the story of a passion that we relive every time we fight for justice, a woman who dared to live in a man’s world and left her footprint in social rights. This is the Evita that I remember. This is the Evita that I feel and the Evita that I wanted to share with you and all of the women of the world.”
Rodriguez met with UCA president Tom Courtway and discussed the comprehensive plan, “Women for Peace-Abuse Zero,” which is being put in place by Daniel Scioli to eliminate gender violence.
Rodriguez also exchanged views on this issue and invited President Courtway to work together and spread its ideals among the students of the educational institution.
Other keynote speakers included Huang Minsheng, Professor of School of Resources and Environmental Sciences and East China Normal University, Nadia Schaefer, President and Co-founder of the Autonomous University of Encarnation and Carolina Barone, Director of International Relations and Legislature of the City of Buenos Aires.
Assistant Provost and Director of International Engagement, Jane Anne Williams said that the biggest learning moment for the other leaders is that while students at UCA may come from different parts of the globe, speak different languages and have different cultural backgrounds, they share and face the same challenges for the future.
“We must work together in order to solve issues of the environment, gender equality, income and education disparity, and endeavor to create a better 21st century for all of us,” Williams said.
