Organized by the Bolivian Movement of Solidarity with Cuba-La Paz at the Universidad Mayor de San Andres (UMSA) to commemorate the centenary (August 13, 2026) of the author of “History Will Absolve Me,” the event featured presentations by Cuban and Bolivian panelists who reflected on various facets of the founder of the victorious Rebel Army.

Speaking to representatives of the accredited diplomatic corps, academics, students, and representatives of social organizations, the Cuban ambassador to Bolivia, Elba Rosa Pérez, emphasized how, under Fidel’s leadership, the Caribbean island was transformed into “a country of men of science and thought.”

In turn, the dean of the Faculty of Sociology at UMSA, Eduardo Paz Rada, described Fidel Castro as a master in the context of the revolutionary struggle for the liberation of the peoples of Asia, Africa, and Latin America against colonialism and neocolonialism, at the height of the Cold War.

Rada highlighted the meeting between Fidel and Hugo Chavez as a highly significant event for the 21st century, which brought about a giant leap forward in the struggle for the integration of the “Greater Fatherland.”

The veteran revolutionary combatant and former Minister of Health of Bolivia (2006-2008 and 2010-2012), Nila Heredia, elaborated on Fidel Castro’s contributions to the struggle for sovereignty, national liberation, and anti-imperialism.

The speech by Juan Tola, a Bolivian doctor and graduate of the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba, was deeply moving. With tears in his eyes, he spoke about the Cuban leader’s contributions in this field.

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