Why did you decide to organize a symposium on the topic of social responsibility?
Every year, LA VOZ tries to organize a symposium that focuses on something interesting that is currently happening in Latin America. Social responsibility is an important topic now, and so we wanted the local students and community to know what projects are currently taking place in that area. We didn´t want to talk only about the theory, but about real projects. Many students are doing part of their bachelor or master course in Latin America and it is good for them to see actual projects – things which are or aren´t working, because that can also help them with their research.
Who are the main speakers that will attend the symposium?
They are specialists from private, non-governmental and academic sectors, who are all involved in projects in Latin America. We have three main speakers. Nestor Coronado from Philips Healthcare is representing the private sector. Arjen Crince will talk about a project involved in urban gardening. And Juan Jauregui-Becker, who is directly from the University of Twente, will present a project called PC3. This project strives to help reduce poverty in developing countries, including countries in Latin America. It aims to identify potential entrepreneurs from the bottom of the pyramid and then help them to co-create their business idea.
Through these three presenters we´ll try to show different perspectives of social responsibility, which makes this symposium quite unique. Similar events usually concentrate only on one area – only on companies or only on academia etc. This symposium combines different aspects of social responsibility.
Can everybody attend the symposium?
The event is open for the public, entrance is free and anybody can attend. Even people who do not focus on this topic at their studies can come – anybody can learn how their expertise can assist in such projects. We are simply trying to raise awareness and educate people about social responsibility.
