Background and Relevance of Guillermo Zepeda Lecuona
Guillermo Raúl Zepeda Lecuona, a prominent jurist from Guadalajara, Jalisco, has been recognized for his significant contributions to alternative conflict resolution methods. As the director of the Instituto de Justicia Alternativa del Estado de Jalisco (IJA), Zepeda Lecuona has been instrumental in shaping Jalisco’s alternative justice model, which has gained national and international acclaim.
Zepeda Lecuona’s Achievements and Impact
- Under Zepeda Lecuona’s leadership, the IJA has become a leading authority in alternative justice mechanisms within Mexico.
- The Jalisco model has been so influential that it served as a reference for the creation of the Ley General de Mecanismos Alternativos de Solución de Controversias (General Law on Alternative Mechanisms for Dispute Resolution) in 2024.
- Zepeda Lecuona has authored over a dozen books and published more than 50 articles and essays in specialized journals and books, further establishing his expertise.
- He has actively participated in multiple international forums, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the field of alternative justice both within and outside Mexico.
The National Peace Award Ceremony
On this particular Wednesday, the Comisión Nacional para la Cultura de Paz (Comnapaz México) bestowed the National Peace Award Comnapaz 2025 upon Dr. Guillermo Raúl Zepeda Lecuona at El Colegio de Jalisco in Zapopan.
Hiram Valdez Chávez, president of Comnapaz México, praised Zepeda Lecuona’s leadership in promoting peace, stating, “He is a great leader of peace in our country due to his commitment and professionalism, as well as his extensive academic background.”
Valdez Chávez emphasized the importance of acknowledging leaders who genuinely contribute to building peace through effective strategies. He also highlighted the opportunity for Mexico to strengthen public policies that support peace studies, an interdisciplinary field analyzing the roots of violence and promoting peace through various conflict resolution approaches.
Testimonials and Reflections
Roberto Arias de la Mora, president of El Colegio de Jalisco, shared that Zepeda Lecuona has always been inspired by the principles of fraternity, peace, and hope for a better future. Arias de la Mora noted that Zepeda Lecuona belongs to a generation yearning for a Mexico where these values prevail.
“Unfortunately, we are far from that vision we once held,” Arias de la Mora lamented. “That’s why it is crucial to celebrate and recognize individuals like Zepeda Lecuona who continue to inspire hope in our nation.”
Arias de la Mora also commended Zepeda Lecuona’s erudition and passion for history, describing it as an “exceptional hobby” that has greatly benefited El Colegio de Jalisco.
Zepeda Lecuona’s Response
Upon receiving the award, Zepeda Lecuona expressed gratitude to Comnapaz México and El Colegio de Jalisco, stating, “I am honored by this recognition, not just for myself but as a representative of an institution and community dedicated to alternative justice methods, which is the most professional and prepared in the country.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Guillermo Zepeda Lecuona? He is a renowned jurist from Guadalajara, Jalisco, with expertise in alternative justice methods and human rights, security, and justice.
- What is his role? He serves as the director of the Instituto de Justicia Alternativa del Estado de Jalisco (IJA), an organization under the State of Jalisco’s judicial branch responsible for alternative conflict resolution mechanisms.
- Why is he receiving the National Peace Award? Dr. Zepeda Lecuona is being recognized for his significant contributions to alternative justice and conflict resolution in Mexico, as well as his leadership in shaping Jalisco’s alternative justice model.
- What is the significance of the Jalisco alternative justice model? The Jalisco model has been so influential that it served as a reference for the creation of Mexico’s Ley General de Mecanismos Alternativos de Solución de Controversias, demonstrating its national and international impact.
