As a four-year member, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Brazil participated in the latest United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) conference on January 31, 2023, discussing “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels.” The meeting focused on the topics of Education, Entrepreneurship, and Environmental Challenges.

Olinda Salguero, the GPF representative for Central America and Director of the Presidential Mission, moderated the program. GPF Brazil CEO Massimo Trombin and Former President Ernesto Samper of Colombia gave opening remarks at the conference. They described today’s challenges and the important role Latin America will have in building sustainable development in the region.

Dr. Saiph Savage, a professor at UNAM in Mexico and Northeastern University Boston, and Dr. Stephane R. Dias from the Federal Institute Farroupilha presented innovative education initiatives conducted by their academic institutions. Vinicius Mendes Lima, the Founder and CEO of the BESOURO Institute, presented the incredible impact of the methodology of entrepreneurship by necessity. The program was applied to several African countries during the pandemic and empowered youth with the help of GPF Brazil.

Marco Vinicio Cerezo Blandón, the General Manager of the Foundation for Eco-Development and Conservation, described the impact of environmental change and the fundamental importance of the circular economy and the sustainable production of energy.

GPF Brazil is planning a follow-up forum that will include intergovernmental agencies from Europe to explore more cooperative avenues for peacebuilding around the world.