SALUTE TO DR. MANUEL RAMIRO MUNOZ OJEDA AND THE CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS INTERCULTURALES OF THE PONTIF1CIA UN1VERS1DAD JAVERIANA SECCIONAL CALI
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this legislative body to honor those distinguished individuals whose lifework and enlightened endeavors have served to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of their country as well as the institutions to which they are attached; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Manuel Ramiro Mufloz is philosopher from the prestigious Jesuit institution, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Seccional Bogota, with a Masters Degree in University Teaching as well as a training degree in University Direction. He is a consultant at the International Institute for the Higher Education for Latin America and the Caribbean IESAL/UNESCO, a distinguished member of the Scientific Committee of the Higher Education Conference of GUNI (Global University Network for innovation), a network of the University of the United Nations, UNESCO and the Universidad Politecnica de Cataluna, Barcelona; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Manuel Ramiro Mufloz is the director and founder of the Intercultural Studies Center of Seccional Cali and developed in cooperation with the Universidad de Barcelona and Fundacio Solidaritat UB under the auspices and support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation. His exemplary leadership in the fight for the rights of workers and vulnerable communities for more than 28 years has resulted in the strengthening organizational processes of indigenous communities in many parts of Colombia and the training of the Afro-descendant communities of the South Pacific region of that country; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 2010, the Intercultural Studies Center is dedicated to promoting the development of research, education and advocacy in the field of cultural studies. One of its key projects has been the creation and development of academic spaces for positive interaction and dialogue among the various cultures that live and interact in the southwestern region of the South American country of Colombia, especially those of African descent as well as indigenous peoples in rural communities in order to foster social stability and environmental sustainability in that region; and
WHEREAS, The Intercultural Studies Center's work affirms that indigenous peoples are endowed with a valuable cultural and ethnic diversity and great ancestral wisdom and seeks to elevate their visibility and inclusion in the decision-making processes concerning political, economic and social issues of the region they inhabit; and
WHEREAS, In the Cauca River Valley, the Center has created social processes to aide negotiations between the disparate parties that are part of the sugar industry for the purpose of advancing better relationships primarily through training, job creation, and fostering dialogue; and
WHEREAS, In the South Pacific region, from Buenaventura to the Ecuadorian border, the Center has developed projects aimed at strengthening their ethno-territorial authorities, boosting social, political and economic development of the region from a perspective that includes the traditions of the afro-descendant and indigenous peoples living there and respects their authority over their territory; and
WHEREAS, Working with rural communities in Southwestern Colombia, the Intercultural Studies Center has been played an important role in developing intercultural training proposals for good living, strengthening basic rural organizations and raising the profile of their local and regional leaders; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable George A. Cardenas, Alderman of the 12th Ward, has apprised this august body of the outstanding work of Dr. Manuel Ramiro Mufloz and the seminal achievements his Intercultural Studies Center has accomplished on behalf of Columbia and its people; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together this 3rd Day of
October, 2012 AD, do hereby salute Dr. Manuel Ramiro Mufloz and the fellows of the Intercultural Studies Center for their
praiseworthy contributions to the welfare and education of the citizens of their country and extend our heartfelt wishes for
continuing success in carrying on their vital mission in beneficence to the nation of Columbia. M cl 3 "13 A113
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GEORGE d(. CAREJENAS Alderman - 12th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presentefLto the Intercultural Studies Center.