Chilean society is currently undergoing a period of debate. From the everyday to the structural, the various dimensions of the public sphere are now being questioned and redefined, according to the latest Human Development Report on Chile, presented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
During an online discussion, the report, titled “The Times of Politicization,” was compared with the work carried out by the organization TECHO the country’s informal settlements, which mobilized young volunteers and camp residents in a joint effort.
Summary of the 2015 Human Development Report:
Rodrigo Márquez, Coordinator of the UNDP Chile Human Development Report, spoke with Roxana Toro, a leader at the San Francisco Camp, and with Javier Morales, Director of the Metropolitan Region for TECHO.
One of the main conclusions of the discussion was that the country is at a unique juncture in which the changes on the horizon leave no one indifferent.
Learn more about the Human Development Report: http://desarrollohumano.cl/idh/videos/desarrollo-humano-en-chile-2015-los-tiempos-de-la-politizacion/
Rodrigo explained that this process represents an opportunity for some and a threat for others, but that today, citizens are demanding a new level of political engagement to shape the society they desire. “This is a time of opportunity—one that challenges us, one in which we can change many aspects of society—and it is full of tensions and contradictions,” he said during his presentation.
However, he noted, the report shows that the gap between the elite and the general public hinders this process of openness, which can contribute to full human development. In response, Javier Morales echoed this point based on his experience working with young people and community leaders every week: “The role of organizations is simply to channel the demands of the public, which is calling for changes to narrow the gap between the elite and the general public.”
Roxana explained that, for example, she is not a member of a political party but understands the political role of community organizing and works to advance it every day alongside her neighbors. She does this to ensure that her voice is heard and taken into account in decision-making that directly affects her situation. “It’s not just that these things are imposed on us for health or education. If they don’t ask us, I don’t see a way or a solution to actually achieve the results we want,” she emphasized.
““I couldn’t care less””
Second, the discussion highlighted the role of young people, who today are by no means detached from this process. The generation of “I don’t even care”—a phrase that was widespread in the ’90s, as Rodrigo recalled—now stands in contrast to a desire to exercise full citizenship and engage in political discourse.
However, individualism remains the main barrier to building a sense of community. The panelists agreed that this is an obstacle that must be overcome, but that it is not an impediment to these new spaces for participation.
In this regard, Javier emphasized the importance of moving beyond seeking participation for personal gain toward pursuing the collective good: TECHO role TECHO to encourage volunteers to seek a solution to a problem that is not just their own individual problem, but one that is shared. The work of the young people who participate is not for themselves; it is with families and for them.”
For more information about the report, visit www.desarrollohumano.cl