The stand of the Association of Amazonian Universities (UNAMAZ) hosted, this Wednesday (11/12), a series of discussion sessions organized by the Ministry of Education (MEC) during the 30th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP 30), in Belém (PA).

The event, presided over by the Minister of Education, Camilo Santana, aimed to present the National Policy for Environmental Education in Schools (PNEAE) and promote discussions on school meals, family farming, and sustainability, with a focus on the National School Feeding Program (PNAE).

Upon arriving at the site, the minister highlighted the role of universities in the Pan-Amazon region in promoting sustainable development:

“This is a historic moment for Brazil. The country is leading this discussion on climate issues, mainly related to recent phenomena around the world. Brazil has suffered greatly from this—just look at what happened in Rio Grande do Sul and, more recently, in Paraná. This is a discussion that involves global commitment, and holding this debate here in the Amazon shows that the region is not just forest: people live here, communities live here,” emphasized Camilo Santana.

“It is necessary to look at these communities, to ensure that they have a life with dignity, access to education and health. Universities have a fundamental role in this process. They are responsible for research, studies and opportunities. The more integrated they are into Amazonian communities, the more they will contribute to sustainability and to facing climate challenges. UNAMAZ, therefore, has an essential role in COP 30 and also in discussions about the sustainability of communities and climate issues in Brazil and the world, in partnership with the Ministry of Education,” the Minister added.

At the opening of the program, the host, Professor José Seixas Lourenço, Pro Tempore President of UNAMAZ, highlighted that the association is configured as "an intelligence network of the Amazon," bringing together 80 educational and scientific research institutions from eight countries in the Pan-Amazon region.

“The presence of the Minister of Education at the UNAMAZ stand endorses our commitment to an education focused on valuing those who live in the Amazon and, simultaneously, on preserving this biome so important to the planet. The Ministry of Education's booth at COP 30 is the UNAMAZ Pavilion,” stated Seixas Lourenço.

The Secretary of State for Education of Pará, Ricardo Sefer, also highlighted the importance of the meeting with the minister and educators from the Amazon region: “Having this number of people reflecting on environmental issues and other related topics, such as education, is a great honor,” he stated. “Regarding Minister Camilo's presence and UNAMAZ's participation in COP 30, Pará is very grateful to President Lula and the minister's work, which has been a great partner for basic education in the state. Universities are always very welcome—they are already partners of the Secretariat of Education in internship programs and other initiatives—and we made a point of coming here to strengthen new partnerships for the benefit of education in Pará,” concluded the secretary.