VALUES

The IEC is totally committed to the principles of pluralism, free academia and constructive dialogue as the best means toward conflict resolution.

The IEC was the first institution early in 1979 to organize activities in Cuba, the U. S., Venezuela, Mexico and Spain, which made possible a rich and responsible exchange of views between government officials and scholars from Cuba and other scholars, researchers and professionals from the Cuban Diaspora. 

Since its creation in 1969 the IEC unwavering defense of the freedoms of thought and expression, and its commitment to free academic endeavors, often placed the institution under crossed fire by intolerant hardliners in Havana and the Cuban American community. In 1980 a bomb exploded at the Coral Gables home of Maria Cristina Herrera (Ph.D.), the IEC founder, who’s right to visit her homeland, on the other hand, has been systematically denied by Cuban authorities since 1992.

The 2005 election of the IEC to the position of general coordinator for Consenso Cubano -an umbrella for two dozen influential Cuban organizations that stand for non violent and gradual change in the island- is recognition of the pioneer role played by the IEC in fostering those goals and testimony of the credibility of the institution within the Cuban Diaspora.

FUNDING

Since its creation in 1969 the IEC has carried out its activities with resources received from the membership fees, private donors and philanthropic foundations.