The world that we want after COVID-19

In the midst of health contingencies, and having academic and cultural face-to-face activities suspended in higher education institutions worldwide, the headquarters of UNAM at Boston launched the digital project: “Tertulias at UNAM-Boston”

The Center for Mexican Studies UNAM - Boston brought together experts on various topics, both from Mexico and Boston, in order to address the challenges that are arising as of the pandemic. From the economic, scientific, social and political perspectives, the guests present the challenges of these times and how to face them to create a better world after the pandemic.

Through the guests' voices we go through diverse problems that have occurred in the United States, Mexico and the world. During this conversation it emerges how the differences between ethnicity, social class and gender have been exacerbated with the pandemic, and, in consequence, have affected even more the vulnerable groups. The Latin community in the United States has been especially affected by the pandemic, as the nature of their jobs, as well as the impossibility to keep distance in such small houses, has sharpened the affectation for them.

On the other hand, the spread of false information without a scientific base has hampered a prompt response to the pandemic. The experts in this conversation propose that scientists must get involved more with the information that is communicated in order to prevent governments from emitting announcements that put their population at risk. In addition, public policies must get hold of technological tools, just as the use of Data to give a prompt response in the light of the community needs in the present context.

By accepting the lessons that the pandemic has given to the whole world, we are encouraged to have a true change proposing a new vision of the world that we want after the pandemic. It is proposed to prioritize people´s well-being regarding the public health field, especially in the most vulnerable sectors, for the purpose of guaranteeing access to medicines and medical care for everyone. Thus, in consequence, we will be able to reconsider a sustainable and responsible economic growth that changes the course of our humanity towards the pursuit of a more equitable world.