President Bachelet: “We are carrying out reforms aimed precisely at reducing inequalities and social segregation”
The President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, visited the Université catholique de Louvain in Brussels, Belgium, to present a master class on equity and social cohesion in a democracy, and receive an honorary doctorate from this University.
Throughout her presentation, she referred to the high indices of inequality within Latin America produced by the widening gap between the rich and the poor.
“The common good is perceived by many as alien, and public projects are not really appreciated, largely because they do not provide satisfactory solutions to everyday problems. It is difficult to require men and women to work toward shared goals. And without this commitment from all of us, it is difficult to progress in a united manner and reach our goal,” she added.
“This is why I focus on equity and cohesion when I think of the future of our peoples, because we are carrying out reforms in my country aimed precisely at reducing inequality and social segregation”.
Progress is being made towards this goal by introducing taxation, education and employment reforms.
She continued, “We are therefore building consensus in Chile and putting a lot of energy into equal rights and opportunities, fairness and inclusion on various fronts, which encompass areas such as taxation, education, employment, politics, children, young people and gender, among others.”
She stressed the importance of progress on educational reform.
“Through the educational system we can provide the skills which are essential for each person to realize their full potential, prepare children and young people for life in society and strengthen the foundations of democracy. This can be achieved when the school becomes a place that is not only focused on learning, but also on bringing people together, integrating them, celebrating our differences and introducing civic equality and democracy. This would be the highest republican ideal,” she said.
Finally, she explained the benefits that a much fairer education system will bring to Chile.
“We know that education is crucial to achieving the change we desire for Chile. When all our children and young people have the same opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills to qualify them for a fuller life, and can understand, appreciate and benefit from the diversity of the world around them, then we will have made great strides towards our goal: We will be closer to achieving a society that is just, prosperous and equitable,” she stressed.