From Cuba with Love: Cuba’s Development Cooperation in the Asia Pacific

Session Submission Type: Panel

Abstract

This panel explores Cuba's relationships with nations of the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on the phenomenon of South-South cooperation in the healthcare and education sectors. In spite of the economic and logistical difficulties that Cuba faces in establishing these relationships, the Caribbean nation has succeeded in fostering close ties and several education and health programs with many nations in the region, building on the island’s historic provision of developmental assistance to the Global South. Cuba’s internationalist presence has reached areas as diverse as Australia, Southeast Asia and Pacific Island countries. The panelists in this session will discuss recent on-site research focusing on different case studies that highlight the challenges and opportunities of Cuba's South-South engagements with the Asia-Pacific.
Andoni Laguna-Alberdi’s paper will discuss his research into the adaptation of Cuba's Yo Sí Puedo/Yes, I Can adult literacy program in marginalised Indigenous communities in Australia, specifically Tennant Creek, NT, where he spent over a year. Sasha Gillies-Lekakis will consider Cuba's medical training program in Pacific Island countries, gauging the impact of Havana's public health workforce training in Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Tonga.

Sub Track

• Asia-Oceania and Latin America Relations in the Changing World Order

Chair

• Deborah J Shnookal, University of Melbourne

Individual Presentations

• The ‘Yes, I Can!’ Campaign: Cuba’s Contribution to Adult Literacy in First Nations Communities in Australia - Andoni Laguna-Alberdi, University of Melbourne

• The Cuban Medical Presence in Pacific Island Countries: Strengthening Public Health Systems and Human Capital Generation - Sasha Gillies-Lekakis, University of Melbourne

• Cuba’s Internationalism in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Paradigm of South-South Cooperation - Deborah J Shnookal, University of Melbourne

Session Organizer

• Deborah J Shnookal, University of Melbourne