CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean and the Universidad del Desarrollo launched the President Sebastián Piñera Chair on Mar. 13, an initiative aimed at promoting democracy, public leadership, and emergency management in the region.
The event was held at the Aula Magna of the Universidad del Desarrollo with attendance from President José Antonio Kast, former First Lady Cecilia Morel, Magdalena Piñera Morel of the President Sebastián Piñera Echenique Foundation, CAF Executive President Sergio Díaz-Granados, as well as national and international authorities, former presidents, and representatives from political, academic, and public sectors.
During his remarks at the ceremony, President José Antonio Kast said: “We did not always share or were so close with President Piñera, but those differences never prevented us from recognizing something essential: that we both conceive public service as a form of commitment and love for Chile. My presence here is not a mere act of protocol, but a profound testimony of respect for someone who always put Chile ahead of any other interest.” He also emphasized the importance of returning to a path of development for the country by stating: “if we do things right, we can recover the development and growth that President Piñera sowed”.
Sergio Díaz-Granados explained that “This chair is a regional space for reflection and cooperation on strategic issues for development (…) We are going to talk about the defense and strengthening of democracy, but also about the management and handling of emergencies in Latin America and the Caribbean”.
Federico Valdés, rector of Universidad del Desarrollo, said that within academia a chair represents more than just a course; it serves as an ongoing space dedicated to reflection, research, and training on ideas important to societal development.
The new Chair aims to provide a platform for analysis and dialogue regarding institutional challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean. It will address topics such as democratic governance, international cooperation, and crisis management.
