The event, promoted by CHAM Açores – Centre for Humanities in partnership with the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, took place in Ponta Delgada and dedicated two days to debating the various dimensions of regional autonomy. The solemn opening session was attended by the Rector of UAc, Susana Mira Leal, the Director of CHAM Açores, Susana Serpa Silva, and the President of the Legislative Assembly, Luís Garcia.
Former President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, participated with a personal testimony, highlighting the strategic importance of the Azores and their Atlantic centrality as an asset to be leveraged.
Susana Mira Leal emphasized the parallel between the existence of the University of the Azores and the autonomous regime, both celebrating five decades. The Rector underscored the institution's role in regional transformations, the qualification of Azorean citizens, the valorization of heritage, and the projection of the Azores nationally and internationally.
The scientific program included four panels on the legal, historical, political, economic, cultural, and social dimensions of autonomy. On the second day, Susana Mira Leal presented the paper “Knowing, Interpreting, and Anticipating – The Reason for a University in the Azores”, further exploring the relationship between academia and the exercise of regional autonomy.
The Rector argued that the University's contribution is reflected in the Region's capacity to make informed and well-founded decisions, stating: “The University does not decide on behalf of the Region. It contributes so that the Region can better decide for itself.” Looking ahead, she identified challenges such as population aging, economic diversification, and the digital transition, emphasizing the importance of scientific knowledge and collaboration between the University, businesses, and civil society.
The colloquium concluded with interventions from the President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, and the President of the Legislative Assembly, Luís Garcia, reinforcing the idea that “Mature autonomy requires knowledge. It requires critical thinking. It requires the ability to understand reality, interpret its complexity, and prepare for the future.”
