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SALUTE TO THE CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS INTERCULTURALES AT THE PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD JAVER1ANA SECCIONAL CAH
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this legislative body to honor those distinguished institutions whose enlightened policies and humanitarian endeavors have served to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of their country; and
WHEREAS, The Intercultural Studies Center is just such an institution. It was established through the Inter-University Cooperation Program between the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Seccional Cali, Universidad de Barcelona and Fundacio Solidaritat UB under the auspices and support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation; 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 ofthe 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 achievements of the Intercultural Studies Center and its seminal work 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 the fellows of the Intercultural Studies Center for their praiseworthy contributions to the welfare and education ofthe 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.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared andjresented to the Intercultural Studies Center. /