Participating in the panel “Higher Education and Climate Knowledge: Challenges and Alliances for a Sustainable Future”, promoted by the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI), this Wednesday (11/12), the third day of COP 30, in Belém (PA), the Pro Tempore President of the Association of Amazonian Universities (UNAMAZ), Professor José Seixas Lourenço, highlighted that universities have a decisive role to play in building knowledge capable of fostering a new environmental mentality, especially among new professionals in training.

With over 50 years of experience in the education sector, Seixas Lourenço recalled his career dedicated to sustainability and scientific research in the Amazon. He reminisced about his experience as rector of the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), a period during which he created UNAMAZ in 1987.

"My entire focus has always been on the sustainable development of the region," he emphasized.

The debate took place at the OEI booth and also included the participation of Professor Doriedson Rodrigues, PhD in Education, representing the Federal University of Pará (UFPA). During his speech, the President of UNAMAZ alerted the COP 30 audience to the importance of the revitalization process of the network of universities, research institutes, and third-sector institutions that make up UNAMAZ—present in eight Pan-Amazonian countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

“These institutions have a strategic role not only in Higher Education, but also in Basic Education, environmental education, and dialogue with youth. It is these children and young people of today who need to develop a new mentality — respect for environmental issues. What is happening now, with climate change, demands the joint effort of our institutions and a commitment to the future,” emphasized Seixas Lourenço.

The participation of UNAMAZ leaders and technicians in COP 30 reinforces the revitalization process of this knowledge production network in the Pan-Amazon region. The objective is to share knowledge and promote joint actions, such as the development and execution of projects focused on teaching, learning, and the training of education professionals, in addition to other initiatives aligned with sustainable development.