Introduction to the 10th Edition of Libertad por el Saber
The 10th edition of the annual flagship event, Libertad por el Saber, organized by El Colegio Nacional, is set to take place from November 3 to 9 at its headquarters in the Historic Center. The theme for this year’s event is the multifaceted phenomenon of migrations, aiming to provide evidence-based information to understand the challenges and opportunities presented by human and life displacements.
Key Figures and Collaborators
The event is coordinated by esteemed colegiados: Silvia Giorguli, Julia Carabias Lillo, Antonio Lazcano, with the support of Susana Lizano and Claudio Lomnitz. Dr. Julia Carabias Lillo, a renowned environmental expert and member of El Colegio Nacional, emphasizes the importance of fostering a more informed and sensitive society towards migrations.
Objectives of the 10th Edition
Dr. Carabias Lillo highlights that the primary goal of this year’s event is to promote a more constructive and less pessimistic dialogue around migrations. The organizers aim to cultivate a more informed society with increased sensitivity and respect for migratory processes.
Multidisciplinary Approach
El Colegio Nacional’s multidisciplinary nature allows for a comprehensive examination of the migration topic, encompassing its complexities and potential solutions. The event will feature reflections and lessons from various disciplines, including literature, linguistics, and the arts, to engage with the public.
Migrations: A Multifaceted Phenomenon
Dr. Carabias Lillo explains that migrations should be understood as a plural phenomenon, recognizing different types such as biological migrations (e.g., marine species moving to land or continental drift generating biodiversity) and evolutionary migrations (e.g., early hominids populating the planet through successive movements).
She also acknowledges current migrations, which can be voluntary (driven by job or educational opportunities) or forced (due to political, religious, ethnic reasons, or climate change).
Human Activity Accelerating Migration Processes
Dr. Carabias Lillo points out that while migrations have occurred over millions of years due to glacial changes, human activity is now accelerating these processes within months or years, exacerbating extreme phenomena.
Climate change is causing forced migrations through two channels: severe droughts and crop loss forcing communities to migrate before famine, and extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods destroying infrastructure and arable land.
The expert stresses the need for more aggressive adaptation and mitigation mechanisms to address climate change-induced migration, as the current crisis stems from extreme weather events and human vulnerability due to poverty and inequality.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Informed Debate
Silvia Giorguli, another coordinator of the event, emphasizes that the event’s main strength is moving beyond polarized rhetoric and evidence-lacking information surrounding migration.
Event Structure
- Science: Exploring biological and cosmic migrations and their link to health
- Humanities: Examining linguistic diversity, literature, public policies, and human rights in the context of migration
- Arts and Culture: Screening the award-winning documentary “Mariposas negras” (2024), storytelling sessions with Juan Villoro, illustration workshops with Juan Gedovius, and a closing concert: “Sonidos que migran” by Los Folkloristas.
Event Details
- Dates: November 3-9, 2025
- Location: El Colegio Nacional headquarters (Donceles 104, Historic Center, CDMX)
- Broadcast: All activities will be streamed on El Colegio Nacional’s social media and YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the main focus of this year’s Libertad por el Saber event?
- A: The primary focus is understanding the multifaceted phenomenon of migrations, including human and life displacements.
- Q: Who are the key figures coordinating this event?
- A: The event is coordinated by Silvia Giorguli, Julia Carabias Lillo, Antonio Lazcano, with support from Susana Lizano and Claudio Lomnitz.
- Q: What disciplines will be represented during the event?
- A: The event will feature perspectives from science, humanities, arts, and culture.
- Q: How does human activity impact migration processes?
- A: Human activities, particularly climate change, are accelerating migration processes and exacerbating extreme weather events.
- Q: How can attendees engage with the event?
- A: Attendees can participate in person or watch the event’s live stream on El Colegio Nacional’s social media and YouTube channel.
