The outstanding performance of the representatives of our Faculties of Law and Business Sciences has been recognized by the program’s organizers.
Over two intense days, law students from the Universidad del Pacífico participated in the 2024 edition of the Change of Roles program, an academic-legislative training and capacity-building initiative. The event, which took place at Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies, was organized by the Circle of Legislators of the Argentine Nation (CLNA) and the Institute of Strategic Studies and International Relations (IEERI).
The program aims to provide young people with practical experience in the legislative field, thus equipping them to assume the role of deputies and participate in the drafting of laws. This year, the Universidad del Pacífico (UP) was the only Peruvian university present, marking the third consecutive year in which the institution took part in this outstanding event.
Experiences, challenges and achievements
During their stay in Buenos Aires, the UP students followed a dynamic and demanding itinerary. They started each day early with reviews and strategies before heading to the legislative building. There, the activities included sessions in various committees and a final debate in the plenary of the National Congress, where drafts of the proposed bill were discussed and amendments proposed.
"After completing our daily tasks, we took advantage of the time to relax by exploring the city before returning to the hotel and preparing for the next day's activities," explained Camila Delgado Barrantes, a representative of the UP School of Administration who took part in the event. "It took a lot of organization and responsibility to meet deadlines and always be on time. I want to thank Professor Humberto Zúñiga, our vice dean, for facilitating everything. However, staying committed to the program has always been the responsibility of each of us from the beginning," added Lucero Palomino Ochoa, a participant from the UP’s School of Law.
For the students, the experience was enriching and challenging. "Having the chance to work on a bill that addressed a relevant issue related to the business sector and the environment, and to improve it along with a team of students from UP as well as different universities in Argentina and Chile, was invaluable," noted Daniela Mañanes Melendez, another participant from the UP’s Law School.
"What I liked most was the debate in the committees led by former deputies. It was a very interesting dynamic because different points of view were heard and put forward, which we had to work with to reach a consensus," said Camila of her experience.
Transformative impact that leads change
Participation in the Change of Roles program is crucial for the Universidad del Pacífico, since the activity fosters students' interest in parliamentary work and prepares them to become future leaders with the ability to promote positive changes in society. "In addition, it motivates students to recognize how well-trained young people, equipped with the right tools, can promote the change that our country so badly needs," remarked Professor Humberto Zuñiga, vice dean of the Faculty of Law.
One of the most important lessons that our students were able to learn was the value of teamwork. "This edition, with the participation of students from the Faculty of Law as well as Business Sciences, demonstrated how a constructive and consensual debate between various delegations, leaving aside individual interests, can result in technical legislation applicable to the whole community," added Professor Zuñiga.
In conclusion, the participation of the Universidad del Pacífico in the Change of Roles program reaffirms the institution’s commitment to the comprehensive training of its students, by way of experiences that transcend the classroom and contribute significantly to professional development.