The idea of regional integration and strengthening democracy in Latin America marked the opening ceremony of the VI Extension Congress of the Association of Universities Grupo Montevideo (AUGM) — an entity that brings together 41 public higher education institutions in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay —, held on Tuesday night (27), at the Unicamp Convention Center.
Co-organized by the Dean of Extension and Culture (Proec), the Congress has as its theme “Democracy and Extension” and aims to establish a direct relationship between the scope and objectives of the UN (United Nations) 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
“The themes of this congress unite, in a single call, two important factors”, said the executive secretary of AUGM, professor Alvaro Rico. “The extension, as a legacy of the Córdoba student reform of 1918, brings the idea of a link between our universities and society, especially among the most vulnerable”, he stated. “And also that of democratization, on a continent where political stability, respect for human rights and democratic systems are not always the rule,” he added.
Rico recalled the 50th anniversary of the military coup in Uruguay, which took place in June 1973, which resulted in a 12-year dictatorship in the country, and the 50th anniversary of the military coup in Chile, which took place in September of that same year, lasting for more than three decades. Rico celebrated the 40th anniversary of Argentina's return to democratic rule, but warned of the threats to the democratic order that surrounded Brazil until very recently.
The Executive Secretary of AUGM drew attention to the role of public universities in the regional integration process and warned of the need for academia to get closer to popular social movements. “We are part of an association whose mission is to identify the problems and needs of Latin America, trying to find solutions for them,” he said.
The rector of Unicamp, professor Antonio José de Almeida Meirelles, said that AUGM is one of the most important associations in Latin America. “In addition to having experienced several traumas throughout our history, the region has also recently experienced difficult times, particularly our country. Therefore, it is essential that we value the link with the causes of democracy, justice and inclusion; in addition to highlighting the role of science, culture, knowledge and innovation”, said Meirelles.
“We have already missed several opportunities, but now I see, again, the possibility of taking a leap forward. We, as a group of countries, can organize a path of economic development and create a society that places human life as a goal. We can transform our accumulated knowledge into engines for the transformation of this society. I think this is the biggest challenge we have ahead of us”, concluded the dean.
thematic axes
In this sixth edition, the Congress recorded 1.251 registrations and 515 works, 174 of which were from outside Brazil. For the second time at Unicamp, the event will have five thematic axes: Institutionalization of University Extension; Artistic and Cultural Production; Sustainable Development, State and Society; Citizenship, Human Rights and Inclusion Training; Communication and Networks. A programming It will also feature 35 workshops, 26 of which are in-person, three hybrid and five of which are online. The event runs until June 30th.
The Vice-Rector of Culture and Extension, Professor Fernando Coelho, said that the congress is a great opportunity for a broad discussion regarding the problems of education and extension. “Extension plays a fundamental role in the redefinition and political role of universities in Brazil and Latin America in society”, said the pro-rector. “And to understand what universities can and should do to interact more appropriately with society in general”, he concluded.
The opening ceremony also featured a lecture by professor Olgamir Amancia Ferreira, from the University of Brasília. With a PhD and Masters in Education, she currently coordinates two extension projects: “Environmental education in Parque Sucupira” and “Maria da Penha goes to school”. She has been a member of the AUGM Permanent Extension Committee since 2018.
Flautins Matuá Group
The official opening ceremony of the VI AUGM Extension Congress featured a presentation by the Flautins Matuá group. Inspired by popular poetry, the group bases its artistic creations on the sound of traditional instruments, such as viola caipira, percussion and fifes.
