Intercultural University of the Peoples: Cooperation for Healthy and Sustainable Socio-Ecological Futures

At the Symposium on Sustainable Development in Portuguese-speaking Countries, Fátima Alves presented a research entitled ‘Intercultural University of the Peoples: Cooperation for Healthy and Sustainable Socio-Ecological Futures’, co-authored by Hermano Castro. The presentation addressed the promotion of cultural interconnections and the importance of integrating the traditions and knowledge of the various peoples that inhabit Lusophone territories, emphasising building bridges between the plural knowledge and powers present in these contexts.
Fátima Alves emphasised the importance of a participatory approach, in which traditional communities and indigenous peoples are the agents and protagonists of the changes needed to build healthy and sustainable socio-ecological futures. The research emphasised how recognising and empowering these people can contribute to reducing health and environmental inequalities and preserving knowledge that reinforces a sustainable relationship with nature.
The session also discussed how this co-creation effort with local communities aims to create an Intercultural Peoples' University based on democracy, solidarity and preserving local cultures. The aim is to promote health, emancipatory well-being and a sustainable relationship with multiple natures in the territories of resistance. Fátima Alves emphasised that this work aims to empower Indigenous and traditional peoples, address health and socio-ecological adaptation inequalities, and create a participatory agenda for sustainable development. This initiative contributes to preserving cultural diversity and promotes a more equitable and resilient future for all.
The presentation generated a stimulating debate in which participants discussed ways of applying these strategies in different local contexts. This reinforced the importance of cooperation between Portuguese-speaking countries to promote collective and sustainable solutions.