During his presentation at the Colombian Chair on Citizenship, Integrity, and the Fight Against Corruption, Felipe Correa, professor at the Latin American School of Development Studies (ELADES) of ECLAC, spoke about the relevance of the Indigenous worldview in shaping Latin America's collective identity and its continued significance in modern societies.

The event, organized by the National University of Colombia, began with Correa posing an important question: Why is Indigenous thought important if only a small minority of the population identifies as Indigenous?

To answer this, Correa emphasized the need to understand the historical and cultural context of the region. He noted that a large portion of the population has both Iberian and Indigenous ancestry—mostly through the maternal line.

“Conquerors and colonizers on one side, Indigenous and Afro-descendant women on the other. Many of these women were subjected to historical patterns of oppression and abuse,” he pointed out.

For this reason, he argued, Indigenous identity should not be understood solely in demographic or genetic terms, but as a cultural and symbolic element that deeply influences the way Latin Americans think, relate to one another, and perceive the world around them.

“Indigenous heritage is present in most Latin Americans—not just genetically, but in our cultural legacy, and in how we live and think,” he said.

The Philosophy of Buen Vivir: An Ethical and Practical Philosophy

Throughout his talk, Correa explored the foundations of the philosophy of buen vivir (or "living well"), describing it not so much as a formal philosophical system, but as a practical way of life. At its core, he explained, lies the knowledge of how to live together—among human beings and with nature.

According to Correa, this worldview rests on two key principles:

• Ontological principle: Symbiosis, interdependence, and integrity among all living beings.

  “We are part of a single system; we depend on one another,” he explained.

• Ethical and political principle: From this principle arises action—respecting nature and maintaining harmony with it.

A Living Heritage in Latin American Society

Correa stressed that the Indigenous legacy is an essential part of Latin American identity, alongside other cultural traditions. Recognizing this heritage means valuing interdependence and balance between people and nature—principles that can guide today's societies toward more sustainable ways of living together.

However, Correa clarified that this worldview is not limited to rural Indigenous communities. Increasingly, people—even in urban and high-tech environments—are adopting these values, reducing consumption, rethinking their habits, and acting with greater ecological awareness.

“There are both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people living in cities, using the internet and mobile devices, who still apply the principles of buen vivir in their daily lives. It is possible to do this in the modern world,” he affirmed.

In his closing remarks, Correa invited the audience to reflect on one of the region’s greatest challenges: How to recognize and live the principles of Indigenous thought in today’s society—both individually and collectively.

“This is one of the most important challenges we must reflect on and take up as a region,” he concluded.