Sunday, 16 March:- On a solemn and inspiring afternoon at Highgate Cemetery, the Cuban Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ismara Mercedes Vargas Walter, stood as the principal speaker at the Marx Oration 2025, paying tribute to the enduring legacy of Karl Marx and reflecting on Cuba’s ongoing commitment to social justice and solidarity.
The event, organized by the Marx Memorial Library and the Communist Party of Britain, gathered people from diverse backgrounds to honor the life and work of Marx at his final resting place. Sharing the platform with Dr. Ashok Dhwale, a prominent advocate for farmers’ and workers’ rights in India, the Cuban Ambassador delivered a speech that highlighted the continued relevance of Marxist ideas in today’s world.
In her address, Ambassador Vargas Walter reflected on the profound influence of Marxism on Cuba’s history, describing it as a framework that guided the Cuban people in their pursuit of equality, sovereignty, and social development.
The triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, she affirmed, was not just the fall of a tyrant; it was the birth of a project inspired by the belief that the workers and peasants must be the true owners of their destiny.
She emphasized that Cuba’s path to social justice was shaped by a deep analysis of the country’s conditions and the pursuit of policies aimed at uplifting its people. The Ambassador drew attention to Cuba’s ongoing efforts to uphold these principles, despite the significant challenges posed by external pressures.
Ambassador Vargas Walter also underscored the importance of education and critical thinking, particularly among young people. She highlighted Cuba’s approach to teaching Marxist thought as a tool for understanding and addressing contemporary issues, such as inequality and environmental challenges.
Marxism teaches us that solidarity and collective action are essential to building a more just and equitable society, she remarked, adding that these values continue to inspire Cuba’s efforts in areas such as healthcare, education, and international cooperation.
The Ambassador concluded her speech with a message of unity and shared purpose, invoking both Marx and José Martí, Cuba’s national hero, as guiding lights in the continued pursuit of a more just and humane world.
The Marx Oration 2025 served as a moment of reflection and reaffirmation of solidarity among those dedicated to social justice. Ambassador Vargas Walter’s words honored the legacy of Marx while offering a perspective on Cuba’s ongoing journey towards equality and human dignity.