The First National Talk organised by Corporacion Educacional Masonica de Concepcion (COEMCO) marked a significant milestone in the institution’s 70th-anniversary celebrations. On Thursday, June 6th, at Club Concepción, attendees had the privilege of hearing from Paulina Astroza, director of the Center for European Studies at the Universidad de Concepción.
Astroza’s presentation, titled «Chile in a Complex World,» offered valuable insights into contemporary international politics and its implications for Chile. She explored the ongoing rivalry between major global powers, particularly China and the United States, and its impact on geopolitics, trade, and military dynamics.
The event drew a diverse audience, including local, Masonic, institutional, and academic authorities, under the leadership of Alejandro Navarro Torres, President of the COEMCO board of directors. The audience also included students from COEMCO schools, and from our institution students from the Students Union and the History Elective Class were among the attendees, demonstrating their keen interest in global affairs actively engaging in the discussion.
Astroza’s exposition highlighted Chile’s susceptibility to external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability in Latin America. She emphasised the importance of understanding these global dynamics in shaping national policies and ensuring economic stability.
The talk provided students with a unique opportunity to delve into complex international issues, expanding their knowledge beyond conventional media coverage. Astroza stressed the role of education in fostering global citizenship and civic engagement, emphasising the significance of such discussions for students from Colegios Concepción.
Dr. Astroza brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. She holds a Doctorate in Political and Social Sciences, a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations, and a Diploma in International Relations and Comparative Politics from the University of Louvain in Belgium. Additionally, she is a lawyer and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Legal and Social Sciences from the University of Concepción, Chile. Dr. Astroza also serves as the Director of the Program for European Studies at the University of Concepción, Chile.
As we reflect on the enlightening discussions from the First National Talk, we anticipate more educational initiatives and thought-provoking events from COEMCO. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming activities and opportunities for our school community to engage with global issues!
