We are pleased to announce four new speakers for the World Summit, each of whom will share important journeys and achievements in the field of identity and language in their own territories.
First, we present Jota Castro, a French-Peruvian artist and curator who lives in Brussels. Through his work in diplomacy and his studies in Law and Political Science, Jota Castro has become an expert in the world of international politics. Thus, he uses his artistic practice -which includes photography, sculpture, video and spatial installations- as a way to communicate on social problems. His acute understanding of international politics and his critical activism through art will be an inspiring contribution to the Summit
To speak about indigenous culture and rights, which concerns not only Latin America, we also welcome Juana Pallailef, mother and grandmother of Mapuche descent, bilingual, expert in intercultural education, and director of the Mapuche de Cañete Museum, where she has worked in the reinterpretation of the Lafkenche history, an area in the south of Chile. From a context not far removed from discrimination, Juana, will speak of survival, love and respect towards who we are and towards our land.
Third, we have Carole Karemera from Rwanda. Carole is an internationally acclaimed theatre, dance and film performer. Her activism in post-genocide Rwanda aids reflection on the importance of creative spaces in the reconstruction of memory. She is the founder and current executive director of Ishyo Arts Centre, the International Performing Art Centre of Kigali, and the director of the KINA Festival. As an art manager and activist, she is a member of the prestigious Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture, and of ASSITEJ (International Association for Youth and Theatre), and participates both in the National Institute of Museums of Rwanda and the Arterial Network Continental.
And finally, also from Latin America, we have Pedro Vasconcellos, current Director of the Citizenship and Cultural Diversity Office of Brazil's Ministry of Culture. Pedro has an extensive background in public policies in culture and diversity. Not only has he worked in this area in his current position, but also as Director of Cultural and Diversity Politics of the City of São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, and as President of the Municipal Council of Culture of São Leopoldo. These, amongst other works, make his presence a great contribution to the discussions in encouraging and promoting regional and local development, based on the renowned Brazilian model: POINTS OF CULTURE.