UNAM Rector: Mexico's transformation driven by youth and education

Mexico's future transformations are rooted in its classrooms and propelled by its youth, according to UNAM Rector Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas. He made these remarks while presenting the Bernardo Quintana Arrioja Award to exceptional high school students.

During the ceremony, Lomelí Vanegas stressed the university's role in fostering active participation among new generations. "Youth do not passively await their future; they intervene in their reality, understand knowledge as a public good, and shape their own path," he stated, highlighting the students' proactive engagement.

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Youth do not passively await their future; they intervene in their reality, understand knowledge as a public good, and shape their own path.

The award celebrates values such as patriotism, leadership, academic excellence, service, and courage. Lomelí Vanegas elaborated that academic excellence extends beyond grades to encompass knowledge creation in science, technology, arts, and humanities. Leadership, he added, involves inspiring collective action and building solutions, while service means addressing social issues, patriotism means representing the country with dignity, and courage means turning adversity into opportunity.

Bernardo Quintana Kawachi, speaking at the event, emphasized that the awards signify not just past achievements but future responsibilities. He expressed hope that the recipients would become prepared, committed individuals capable of building a better Mexico. The ceremony also honored the legacy of Bernardo Quintana, known for his contributions to major national projects like Ciudad Universitaria, the Metro system, and the Azteca Stadium.

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You represent the hope that Mexico will have prepared, committed, and capable men and women to build a better country.