"It is important for young people to understand the value of work as a transformative force in society."

The University of Navarra brought together more than a hundred alumni, friends and their families at the closing of the Alumni Meetings 2024 held recently in Mexico. Topics such as work, leadership, artificial intelligence and sustainability were addressed through a conversation between the University's president, María Iraburu (BIO'87 | PhD'92), and Altagracia Gómez, president of the Promotora Empresarial de Occidente group. Also participating were Gabriela Delgado, general director of association 'A Favor de lo Mejor', as moderator, and Íñigo Gutiérrez (TECNUN'98 | PHD'04), director of Alumni-University of Navarra, as master of ceremonies. 

To begin the dialogue, the concept of work and how technology has changed the way it is perceived today was discussed. For the rector, "many times young people receive negative messages about work, which is worrying". She also stressed that "it is important that young people see their value and feel that they can change the world". She also assured that "all people can act in their immediate environment, both in the institution where they work and in society, so it is worth developing this transforming quality". Altagracia Gómez, from her perspective as an entrepreneur, explained that the idea of work has been redefining itself. "Workers are looking for a certain holistic richness and are more demanding of their companies." 

The speakers were then able to talk about the value of the integral development of people. Both the rector and the businesswoman agreed on the importance of people developing in a disruptive way and with interests so that they are not passive spectators. On the other hand, they were also able to discuss the keys to good leadership. For Professor Iraburu, it is important to move away from authoritarian leadership and move towards broad forms of leadership in which the main goal is "to bring out the maximum potential of each person with whom we work as a team". For Altagracia, one of the characteristics of good leadership is trust, "you must generate trust, but also have confidence in yourself," she said. The rector also stressed that "initiative and the ability to lead generate builders of a more humane society who are not afraid of change but seek ways to take advantage of it. 

On Artificial Intelligence, María Iraburu explained that there are two points of view that affect the university world. On the one hand, those who think that the new generations will not want to learn since there are tools that "give them everything done". On the other hand, those who consider AI as a "magic hand that knows where the truth is". However, he assured that both extremes are wrong. Finally, he explained that the University has set out challenge to learn about and incorporate artificial intelligence into its learning process and teaching with the goal to "show students its capabilities and its limits in a responsible and informed way." From a business standpoint, Gomez highlighted some of the societal challenges that AI brings. "The implementation of AI requires a great deal of work in regulation as the amount of information it possesses must serve a positive purpose ."

Finally, the speakers were also able to address sustainability. For the rector, the main objective of goal is for each person, from their professional activity, to analyze whether their activity is improving the world from an environmental, social and economic point of view. However, she assured that "on many occasions sustainability falls as a burden on companies due to regulations or regulatory burdens that can threaten their productivity". In this aspect, "what the University can offer is the rigor and reliability of research," she said. The businesswoman also added that "sustainability should be the purpose of any company and of any person. We all have a great responsibility. 

The Rector also had the opportunity to address directly to the Mexican alumni to thank them for their welcome and to explain some of the major projects of the University, such as the Alumni Scholarships Program or the Bioma Center. In addition, she also stressed the importance of not losing the link with the University after graduation. "It does the University a lot of good to continue on contact with its alumni. We are enriched by your concerns and educational needs so that we can offer you lifelong learning."

The event concluded with a farewell from the presenter, as well as Andrea Parra (COM'10 | MCPC'13), president of board Alumni Mexico. Attendees were able to continue exchanging ideas.