Paris, February 1, 2025. The VI International Conference "For the Balance of the World," held in Havana from January 28 to 31, was once again the venue for the presentation of the UNESCO International Prize “José Martí”.
In this edition, the Association of United Midwives of the Pacific (Asoparupa) was selected to receive the prestigious award. The award was presented by Anne Lemaistre, Director of the UNESCO Office in Havana, during the opening session of the VI Conference. The event, under the theme "For Dialogue among Civilizations and For a Culture of Peace," brought together more than 600 delegates from 98 countries and 400 Cubans.
In a message sent to the meeting participants, Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, thanked Cuba, the sponsor of the prize since 1994, for its support and emphasized the importance of youth and leaders of change in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Ramos emphasized that, despite the region's great capacity for innovation, many young people face adverse economic and social realities. "At least 40% of the population is at risk of poverty," she warned.
However, she also highlighted Latin America's potential to advance and generate positive change, a goal UNESCO seeks to promote through its awards.
For her part, activist Lizeth Quiñones Sánchez, leader of Asoparupa (Association of Women in Latin America and the Caribbean), expressed her deep gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the importance of José Martí, not only as a hero of Cuban independence, but also as a defender of Latin America's cultural identity.