The WIDE Project of the University of Parma in Cape Verde

Sustainability, Education, and International Cooperation

Currently underway in Cape Verde is the W.I.D.E – Widening International Didactics & Education project, a joint initiative between the University of Parma and the Universidade Lusófona de Cabo Verde (ULCV), promoted by the CUCI – University Centre for International Cooperation, on the proposal of Andrea Cilloni and Nadia Monacelli. The initiative aims to investigate the interconnection between environmental sustainability, socio-economic development, and the protection of natural resources, with particular focus on the context of Cape Verde, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) that is highly exposed to the challenges of climate change.

The project involves eleven students from the University of Parma's Economics and Journalism courses, who are engaged in a training and research experience in the city of Mindelo, through socio-cultural immersion activities, meetings with NGOs (including CERAI), visits to cultural and youth centers in the Ribeira Bote, Pedra Rolada, and Craquinha neighborhoods, and the exploration of historic places such as the Mercado Municipal.

The experience also included participation in the International Conference on Climate Change and Environmental Education, held on April 24-25, 2025, at the Universidade Lusófona campus in Mindelo. The conference, jointly organized by the University of Parma and ULCV, was opened by the President of the Republic of Cape Verde, Dr. José Maria Neves, via online platform, and featured speeches by the Rector of Universidade Lusófona, Carlos Alberto Delgado, the Rector of the University of Parma, Paolo Martelli (online), and the Vice-Rector for Research at IULM, Giovanna Rocca. Also participating were Elisa Silva, President of the Conference Organizing Committee, and Carla Monteiro, representing the senior President of the Municipal Chamber of São Vicente.

During the event, professors from the University of Parma, Filippo Arfini, Martina Giuffré, Michele Maccari, and Osman Arrobbio, delivered important academic contributions on the topics of sustainability and environmental management in island contexts.

The conference concluded with speeches from the Minister of the Sea of Cape Verde, Dr. Jorge Santos, the Administrator of ULCV, and the official rapporteur of the conclusions.

The WIDE project represents an important action for training, cooperation, and internationalization, enhancing dialogue between knowledge, territories, and generations in the perspective of a fair and shared ecological transition.

The WIDE Project of the University of Parma in Cape Verde

Sustainability, Education, and International Cooperation

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