A series of events organized by the Center for the Analysis of Public Decisions (Cadep) took place across Guatemala, aiming to encourage dialogue on economic and social issues. The initiative was held under the motto "All civilization is the result of social cooperation," a phrase attributed to Ludwig von Mises.
The activities featured Olav Dirkmaat, director of Cadep at Francisco Marroquín University, along with Eduardo Blasco and Fernando Monterroso from the Henry Hazlitt Center at UFM. The events were made possible through collaboration with Universidad de Occidente and were hosted on its campuses.
In Huehuetenango, on June 28, presentations included "Why Are We Poor?" by Fernando Monterroso and "Capitalism: Past and Present" by Olav Dirkmaat, aimed at business leaders. The following day saw a colloquium titled "Manuel F. Ayau," led by Monterroso, as well as Dirkmaat's lecture on "The History of Civilization and Liberalism."
Quetzaltenango hosted sessions on July 25-26 directed at students and faculty. These included "Private vs. Public Management" by Eduardo Blasco and "The History of Wealth and Freedom" by Olav Dirkmaat.
On August 30 in Mixco, Dirkmaat delivered a talk entitled "The History of Civilization, Capitalism, and Liberalism: Lessons for Our Present."
Coatepeque's events on September 19 included lectures such as "The Great Enrichment" and "The Three (R) Evolutions: Industrial, Financial, and Liberal," both presented by Dirkmaat. Monterroso addressed public health and education with his session titled "Public Health and Education: Why Don't They Work?" Businesspeople and students attended these talks. On September 20, another edition of the Manuel F. Ayau colloquium was held alongside Dirkmaat’s presentation on private versus public management.
At Francisco Marroquín University's campus in Guatemala City on September 11, Cadep organized a discussion forum with ten participants from among students and professionals to promote research into water legislation. International case studies were reviewed during this event, including Chile’s model—designed by the Chicago Boys—and France’s system.
According to organizers, these activities demonstrate Francisco Marroquín University's commitment to teaching ethical, legal, and economic principles within a society based on individual freedom and responsibility.
For further information or inquiries about future events or initiatives related to Cadep’s work in Guatemala or academic collaborations involving Francisco Marroquín University or Universidad de Occidente campuses across different regions in Guatemala—including Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango, Mixco, Coatepeque or Guatemala City—interested parties can contact cadep@ufm.edu.
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