- (By Ramón Taborda) - “This event is fundamental because we are from here, this is our home. We decided to live in this emblematic place at the southern end of the country and the world, and it is our responsibility to take care of our identity and our environment,” said Mayor Martín Pérez at the inauguration of the international forum “Territories of the Future: Antarctica and the South Atlantic.”

The community leader was accompanied at the table by Monsignor Marcelo Colombo, Archbishop of Mendoza and President of the Argentine Episcopal Conference; Agustina Rodríguez Saá, president of the  RUC (University Network for the Care of the Common House) and rector of the UNLC (National University of Los Comechingones) and co-organizer of the event; the Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, Emilce Cuda; Carmen Largaespada Fredersdorf, Director of the Office of the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI) in Honduras and Susana Edjang, representative of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean  (CAF). 

Martín Pérez stressed that the region's natural wealth and biodiversity are treasures that must be protected. "We want this area to continue to thrive and develop, but always with an eye toward caring for our common home," he said, echoing the concept promoted by Pope Francis.

The mayor also mentioned the need to transcend political discussions and seek a space for dialogue that allows for informed decisions to be made. “Universities are those who put their heads and thoughts to the challenges we face. They are key to training the cadres of the present and the future,” he added.

During his speech, Pérez thanked the institutions that supported the event, such as the CAF and the OEI, and highlighted the importance of international collaboration. “This forum is not only a space for discussion, but also an opportunity to strengthen the defense of our sovereignty in the South Atlantic and Antarctica,” he concluded.

The forum promises to be a starting point for addressing the challenges facing the region, as well as for promoting sustainable development and cooperation between nations. With a call to action, Mayor Martín Pérez invited all those present to work together for a better future for Río Grande and its surroundings.

“This meeting is absolutely necessary”

Agustina Rodríguez Saá shared her vision on the importance of academic collaboration and commitment to the environment.

During his speech, Rodríguez Saá welcomed the attendees and highlighted the diversity of the network, which brings together more than 230 universities in Latin America and the Caribbean. “Since its creation in 2016, we have worked within the framework of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si , which invites us to rethink the current development model, which faces economic, social, cultural and environmental crises,” he said.

The rector stressed that the forum represents a unique opportunity to address the challenges facing the South Atlantic and Antarctica. “This meeting is absolutely necessary to incorporate relevant issues affecting our region into our agenda. It is a space to think of alternatives from universities towards a better world,” she said.

The academic also shared a recent experience in which more than 230 universities in the network had the opportunity to speak with Pope Francis in Rome. “During that audience, the Pope urged us to work with young people in teaching the three human languages: thinking, feeling and doing. This mission accompanies us in our daily work,” she commented.

The president of the RUC emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities and the need to develop a strategic agenda linked to Latin American territory. “We are here to commit ourselves to thinking and feeling this territory, and to incorporate the South Atlantic and Antarctica into our agendas of thought, science and technology,” she concluded.

With a call to action, Rodríguez Saá urged the rectors and institutions present to work together in the search for sustainable solutions that promote environmental care and the defense of sovereignty in these regions. His message resonated among the attendees, who committed to continue with this mission in the coming days of the forum.

The importance of education in building a sustainable future

Carmen Largaespada Fredersdorf , Director of the Office of the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI) in Honduras, highlighted the importance of education in building a sustainable future. Her speech, full of commitment and vision, underlined the crucial role played by the OEI in promoting interconnection between the different regions of Ibero-America.

Largaespada Fredersdorf began his speech by thanking the people for the invitation and greeting the authorities present, including the Mayor of Río Grande, Dr. Agustina Rodríguez Saá, President of the University Network for the Care of the Common Home (RUC) , and other dignitaries. “ It is an honor to be here as facilitators of this meeting, recognizing the importance of the university network that articulates efforts between universities, governments and civil society in the mission of building a more just, supportive and sustainable world,” he said.

The OEI representative emphasized the importance of education as a key pillar for sustainable development, especially in Central America, where vulnerability to climate change is a priority concern. “Education is a fundamental tool for caring for our common home and for peace. Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, we promote educational programs that integrate environmental awareness in the formation of new generations,” she explained.

Largaespada Fredersdorf also valued the link between education, social justice and environmental preservation as key elements for building peace in regions affected by inequalities and climate crises. “The OEI promotes educational innovation projects that connect science, technology and traditional knowledge to generate sustainable and equitable solutions,” he added.

In his speech, he called on universities, governments and social actors in Central America to join the university network to care for our common home, consolidating an educational model committed to protecting the planet. “Caring for our common home is everyone’s task and education is our greatest tool to achieve it,” he concluded.

With her message, Carmen Largaespada Fredersdorf reaffirmed the OEI's commitment to continue supporting education for sustainability throughout Ibero-America, promoting global alliances that jointly address the socio-environmental crisis affecting the region. Her intervention resonated among the attendees, inspiring a sense of co-responsibility and collective action in the search for a more sustainable future.

“We need to work together to improve the quality of life of the population”

Meanwhile , Susana Edjang, representative of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, exCAF (Corporación Andina de Fomento), shared her vision of the fundamental role that the institution plays in promoting sustainable development in the region. During her speech, Djam highlighted the importance of the entity as a “green bank” committed to inclusive and sustainable growth in Latin America.

“It is an honor to be here representing CAF and our corporate vice president of strategic programming, Christian Asinelli, who was unable to attend but has left a video message,” Djam began, thanking those present and recognizing the diversity of communities and social groups participating in the forum.

The Bank representative stressed that the institution is guided by strategic axes such as fair energy transition, resilience, ecosystem protection, and inclusive social well-being. “Our approach is not only focused on investment through loans, but also on technical cooperation and the creation of networks that have a lasting impact on territories and people,” she explained.

Djam , who is based in Buenos Aires, shared that the entity’s portfolio in Argentina is the largest and most diverse of the institution, representing 14% of all investments in the region. “From infrastructure projects to educational programs, we are committed to working at the subnational level and collaborating with new allies, including universities and civil society,” she said.

During his speech, Djam also stressed the importance of supporting the country's economic stabilization, especially in a context of changes in government. "Last year we structured a 400 million loan for a food program, and we continue to work on axes related to enabling infrastructure, access to basic services and people's well-being," he explained.

With a focus on people and territories, Djam concluded his speech by emphasizing the need for collaboration and mutual learning. “As Pope Francis says, no one is saved alone. We need to work together to improve the quality of life of the population and face the challenges that we face,” he concluded.

Susana Djam 's participation in the meeting highlights the Bank's commitment to sustainable development and the importance of cooperation in finding solutions that benefit communities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Her message resonated among attendees, inspiring a sense of unity and collective action for a more sustainable future.

“From our place of service, we wish to be instruments of dialogue and encounter”

Monsignor Marcelo Colombo, Archbishop of Mendoza and President of the Argentine Episcopal Conference , shared his message on the importance of integral ecology and community development. His intervention is part of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the encyclical 'Laudato Si' , which promotes a focus on caring for the environment and human relations.

Colombo began his speech by thanking the Rio Grande community for their warm welcome and expressing his joy at being present at an event that brings together people committed to the comprehensive development of communities and families. “It is an honor to be here with you, sharing dreams and ideals,” he said.

As President of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, Colombo represents more than 130 bishops from various ecclesiastical jurisdictions, who are deeply involved in community service and in promoting dialogue and encounter between people. “From our place of service, we wish to be instruments of dialogue and encounter,” he stressed.

The archbishop stressed the concept of integral ecology, which is found in the fourth chapter of Laudato Si. This principle, according to Colombo, involves a complex network of relationships that places the human being at the centre, but also recognises the need to care for our "common home". "It is essential to preserve our habitat in order to pass it on to future generations," he stressed.

Colombo also addressed the importance of relationships of justice between people and institutions, emphasizing that caring for our common home implies caring for human relationships. “The Church, together with other religions and Christian denominations, must embrace the value of human institutions as an instrument for caring for our common home,” he said.

The archbishop concluded his speech with a call for fraternity and awareness of the need to preserve the environment. “I hope that these days will generate bonds of fraternity that transcend circumstantial discussions and lead us to a true awareness of the house we live in,” he said.

Colombo thanked the authorities present, the universities and the community of Rio Grande for their commitment to solidarity and cooperation. His message resonated among those in attendance, inspiring a sense of unity and shared responsibility towards caring for the environment and the well-being of future generations.

The presence of Monsignor Marcelo Colombo at this event underlines the relevance of the Church in promoting sustainable development and the importance of working together to build a more just and equitable future for all.

Important personalities

The opening was attended by former ministers Jaime Perczyk (Education) and Jorge Taiana (Defense), who is also a member of the UNSAM International Center for Political Studies and his wife Bernarda Llorente , who is a former manager of TELAM and has ties to the Vatican's communications area; the Mayor of Río Gallegos, Pablo Grasso ; the former governor and former parliamentarian Rosana Bertone ; Irene Schloss from CADIC-CONICET, IAA and UNTDF; the Principal Officer of Fisheries and Aquaculture FAO, Javier Villanueva ; Claudia Andrade Díaz from the Patagonia Institute of the University of Magallanes (UMAG); Analúcia Danilevicz Pereira from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul and Enrique Martínez Larrechea , Rector of the Southern University Institute; Engineer Mario Félix Ferreyra , Dean of the Tierra del Fuego Regional Faculty of the National Technological University and member of the national Rectorate of the UTN; Dr. Daniel Fernandez , Rector of the National University of Tierra del Fuego (UNTDF); the Consul General of Chile in Rio Grande and Tolhuin, Lic. Roberto Ruiz Piracés ; the provincial legislators Maria Laura Colazo, Matias Lapadula and Raul Von der Thusen ; the councilors Guadalupe Zamora (president of the deliberative body); Jonatan Bogado, Florencia Vargas and Alejandra Arce; among many other personalities.

It should be noted that both the Tierra del Fuego Legislature and the Río Grande Deliberative Council delivered a statement to Agustina Rodríguez Saá, which was delivered by the aforementioned parliamentarians.