- Dr. Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas, Rector of UNAM;
- Dr. Armando Sánchez Vargas, Director of the UNAM Economic Research Institute,
- Dr. Miguel Armando López Leyva, Humanities Coordinator.
- Distinguished members of the presidium.
It is an enormous pride to be today at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), a highly recognized institution worldwide that is committed, not only to the education of people but also to the human and intellectual development of Mexicans and , why not say it, of Latin Americans in general.
This, the largest University in Latin America and the Caribbean, is an institution where not only the economic, social and environmental reality of the country is studied, but the present and future of Mexico is built.
The world, and especially the countries in our region, are experiencing a development crisis, which affects the social development of an important part of the population and affects the sustainability of the planet itself.
Therefore, as I have emphasized since I assumed my position as Executive Secretary of ECLAC, it is not a time for gradual and timid changes, but for transformative and bold policies that really move the needles of development, towards a stage of sustainability, sustainability and inclusive growth. At UNAM, knowledge is created and disseminated and committed people are forged who will allow us to move towards this new stage.
I deeply appreciate this recognition from the largest public educational institution in Mexico, UNAM. It is a privilege for me to receive the Chair named “Ricardo Torres Gaitán”, who was a distinguished Mexican economist and public official, pioneer in the study of fundamental topics such as monetary policy, commercial relations between Mexico and Latin America, the unemployment, inflation and, of course, economic development.
Among Ricardo Torres Gaitán’s multiple interests was the study of Mexico’s commercial relations with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. This issue continues to have great relevance, not only because of the importance of economic flows, but also because of its contribution to sustainably promoting the growth and development of the region.
Professor Torres Gaitán’s contributions at the third UNCTAD conference are widely recognized and resonate with the development problems we experience today. His book, The Theory of International Trade, has become an indispensable reference work for economists and economics students, with more than 25 editions. His varied publications in magazines and books denote his great interest in understanding the world and offering answers to the innumerable problems that the world was experiencing at his time and that unfortunately persist today.
Ricardo Torres Gaitán was an economist with a Latin American seal, who sought to demonstrate the relevance of a policy of economic, commercial and financial insertion that promoted the competitiveness of countries. He was always very assertive when explaining the limitations of consolidating an economy under conditions of low productivity, income concentration and financial speculation in the economic system.
This Chair is not only a personal recognition, but, through me, it is also a recognition for the institution that I now proudly head, ECLAC. As the Secretary General, António Guterres, told us, I invite all colleagues to continue working so that ECLAC is an intellectual beacon on issues of economic and social development.
The objective of the Chair is to promote and deepen economic research, especially on the topic related to economic development and this is precisely one of the mission we have at ECLAC: to work and support the countries of the region to achieve more productive economic development. , inclusive and sustainable.
For almost eight decades now, ECLAC has updated its thinking to the changing realities of the region and the world, setting directions and shedding light on the options and priorities for the progress of our nations.
This award motivates me to continue working for and for the people of Latin America and the Caribbean, it encourages me to continue together with the entire Cepalina family analyzing, contributing and proposing public policy measures to improve the well-being of people, always hand in hand. of fundamental partners such as UNAM.
Dear Rector, Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas; Dr. Armando Sánchez Vargas, Director of the Economic Research Institute; authorities, teachers, researchers, workers and above all students, all notable members of the UNAM, I am grateful with humility, joy and great commitment for having been awarded the Ricardo Torres Gaitán Chair.
Thank you so much.
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