The II Campus Internacional Ciudad de La Laguna has commenced its academic activities with an inaugural event dedicated to democracy and human rights. The event featured lectures by the president of the Audiencia Nacional, Juan Manuel Fernández; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ana Palacio, and the Ombudsman, Ángel Gabilondo.
The opening ceremony, held at the Teatro Leal, was attended by representatives of the promoting entities: the mayor of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez; the rector of the Universidad de La Laguna, Francisco Javier García, and the president of the Fundación CajaCanarias, Humberto Orán.
Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez emphasized that the forum aims to analyze contemporary challenges, positioning La Laguna as an example of collaboration. Rector Francisco Javier García valued the close relationship with the city, calling the campus a commitment to hope. Humberto Orán highlighted the relevance of the chosen themes amidst significant technological and geopolitical changes.
Following the institutional opening, the day proceeded with keynote lectures. Juan Manuel Fernández spoke on 'The Audiencia Nacional, guarantor of the Rule of Law', stressing the role of an independent judiciary. Ana Palacio addressed 'The Rule of Law in a Dislocated World', analyzing the crisis of the post-World War II multilateral order and human dignity. Lastly, Ángel Gabilondo warned about threats to democratic coexistence such as polarization and selfish individualism, advocating for a new humanism based on solidarity.
The campus will continue in the coming days, delving into democracy, human rights, heritage protection, and artificial intelligence, bringing together specialists and prestigious institutions. Notable participants include the president of the International Organization for the Protection of Heritage, Mohamed Joudat, and the president of the Observatory of Social and Ethical Impact of AI, Idoia Salazar.
On-site registrations are sold out, but academic sessions can be followed online via streaming. Throughout the four days, seminars, round tables, and conferences will be held to reflect on current societal challenges from an international and multidisciplinary perspective.
The event will conclude with a musical performance on July 29 at the Teatro Leal, featuring the concert 'Islas y Cuerdas', which will unite the timple of Benito Cabrera with a string quartet from the Orquesta Sinfónica de Las Palmas.
The complete program is available on the campus's official website, where attendees can also access lectures online.
