The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) has started a training program focused on inclusion, with the support of the Presidential Commission Against Discrimination and Racism against Indigenous Peoples in Guatemala (CODISRA). The first session addressed the topic of self-identification.
Miriam Pixtún, an advisor from CODISRA's Gender Unit, led the training. She discussed the importance of self-identification and received positive feedback from MEM staff.
Presidential commissioners Miguel Felipe Pajarito and Marvin Gilberto Martínez Norales attended the event. They emphasized that "for the central government, the role of MEM in this process is very important for promoting inclusion among all peoples and rejecting racism."
Edwin Barrios, Deputy Minister of Mining and Hydrocarbons, stated: "This is a significant step in our institutional commitment to recognize, value, and strengthen identity." He encouraged ministry staff to view this as "a starting point" and to continue improving themselves so that respect becomes a fundamental principle.
The session highlighted Guatemala’s cultural and ethnic diversity as a national strength. Promoting inclusion and recognition of indigenous peoples was described as both an obligation and a way to strengthen society.
Self-identification was defined during the training as a personal process where individuals recognize and express their identity based on various aspects such as ethnicity or culture. This can include identifying with groups like indigenous, Maya, Garífuna, Mestizo, or Xinka communities.
The launch marks the beginning of several planned trainings on this subject. According to MEM representatives, knowledge, dialogue, and empathy are seen as key tools for building a more inclusive nation that respects its multicultural identity.
Alerts Sign-up