Diplomatic Lecture by the Ambassador of Guatemala at Chiba University
On May 29, 2025, students from various faculties at Chiba University participated in the third diplomatic lecture delivered by His Excellency Manuel Roldán, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala. The event offered a rare opportunity for direct engagement with a Latin American diplomat and left a lasting impression on the 35 participating students, who represented seven faculties across all academic years.
The Ambassador’s presentation was warmly received as both informative and inspiring. Students remarked on the ambassador’s ability to blend deep historical insight with personal anecdotes and moments of humor, making the content not only accessible but genuinely memorable. From the ancient legacy of the Mayan civilization to the vibrant diversity of modern Guatemalan society, the lecture painted a rich and multidimensional portrait of a country many students were discovering in depth for the first time.
A key highlight for many was the exploration of Guatemala’s ethnic diversity—home to 23 different ethnic groups—and the national efforts to provide daily school snacks or light meals at schools, known as refacciones. These practices sparked comparisons with Japan’s own social welfare system and prompted thoughtful reflection on different cultural approaches to addressing poverty and community support.
Students also took an interest in Guatemala’s agricultural exports and its strong trade ties with Japan, noting familiar products like coffee, sugar, and bananas. Several were especially intrigued by Guatemala’s renowned coffee and the parallels between Guatemalan coffee culture and Japan’s own tea traditions.
Another topic that drew attention was the ongoing border issue between Guatemala and Belize, which many students found eye-opening. Living in an island nation, the concept of land border disputes is foreign to most Japanese students. The Ambassador’s insights on this subject offered a valuable perspective on geopolitics and international law.
What stood out the most for many was the ambassador’s personal story—his passion for diplomacy and his decision to pursue this path despite early opposition from his family. Students expressed admiration for his commitment to sharing Guatemalan culture with the world and found his words deeply motivating as they think about their own careers in a globalized world.
