To mark National Sustainability Day, celebrated on September 25th, CATÓLICA-LISBON invited various sustainable companies and organized a talk dedicated to the theme "Collective Sustainability: How Each of Us Can Make a Difference" with the participation of Francisco Araújo, Guest Lecturer at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lisbon and a member of the coalition for the recognition of the human right to the environment at the Council of Europe.
Companies like Fórum Oceano, MAMAZOO, and Veolia, which place sustainability at the core of their business models, were present in the atrium of CATÓLICA-LISBON to showcase their work to students, alongside CATÓLICA-LISBON’s research centers, the Yunus Social Innovation Center and the Center for Responsible Business & Leadership, that address environmental, social, and economic dimensions, aiming to transform businesses in Portuguese society.
During the morning, students had the opportunity to interact with these organizations, learn how they contribute to a more sustainable future in Portugal, and reflect on the importance of collective and individual action in building a more sustainable society.
"If young people have that civic awakening, it will be much easier to act on this SDG or one of the other 17 SDGs we have, as there is always the possibility to create something more structural," stated Francisco Araújo.
Educating and raising awareness about climate change, staying informed from credible sources, and engaging civically were some of the speaker’s key pieces of advice to the CATÓLICA-LISBON community in his presentation.
“Universities face the challenge of fostering critical thinking. It is in universities where slogans need to be deconstructed and that knowledge consolidated, because only then can young people be encouraged to act in society," he said.
However, Francisco warned that leadership in the fight against climate change cannot fall solely on the shoulders of young people. "There can’t be a generationally divisive discourse. It must be a holistic effort by society. The younger generation benefits from being more familiar with these issues, having studied them since primary school, and now has the responsibility to consolidate this knowledge at a more advanced level."
According to the speaker, social media are fundamental tools for mobilization, as they enable projects to be amplified and access to information, but it is equally important to understand how the legislative process works and to get civically involved, since "a large part of environmental measures goes through Strasbourg and Brussels."
“Having knowledge, scrutinizing the work of MPs, staying informed about the discussions held daily in these institutions, and trying to contribute through mechanisms of participatory democracy that are beginning to emerge, both at the European and national or local levels, are essential steps.”
The speaker also emphasized the importance of associational perspectives as a key complement. “There is a set of organizations that already exist, that anyone can join, and there is always the possibility in a democracy to create new organizations. Many areas need more work and people willing to do it,” he concluded.
With this event, CATÓLICA-LISBON reinforced its commitment to shaping conscious citizens prepared to contribute to a more sustainable future by promoting active involvement in the implementation of the UN's 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Learn more about the companies that participated:
Fórum Oceano
Fórum Oceano is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and enhance the maritime economy in Portugal, supporting the sustainable development of the maritime sector, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and cooperation among industry stakeholders. It also manages Portugal’s Blue Economy Cluster, certified and recognized by the Ministry of Economy and Maritime Affairs. Fórum Oceano’s key activities include promoting research and development of new technologies, facilitating access to funding and investment, and supporting the internationalization of companies and institutions in the sector. It brings together over 150 members, including companies, associations, and institutions, playing a fundamental role in promoting the maritime economy in the country.
MAMAZOO
Present in Portugal since 2021, Mamazoo is a Brazilian swimwear brand that offers sustainable pieces. Its products stand out for featuring Amni Soul Eco lining, the world's first biodegradable fabric, and being made from fabric sourced from recycled plastic bottles or recycled polyamide obtained from the reuse of factory pre-consumer waste. The printing process uses water-based inks, and the production waste is recycled. Labels and shipping materials are also sustainable.
Veolia
In Portugal since 1992, Veolia is a French multinational that operates in the areas of water, waste, and energy management, offering solutions tailored to the needs of its clients: industries, cities, and the specialized tertiary sector. It is a member of the Advisory Board of the Center for Responsible Business & Leadership.