The fifth edition of the Planetiers World Gathering, held at the Jordão Theatre, brought together entrepreneurs, investors, government representatives, and national and international experts, focusing on the theme «Innovate to Create Sustainable Value». The event holds particular relevance in the year Guimarães is the European Green Capital, projecting the municipality as a territory that combines industrial tradition, knowledge, and innovation.
Ricardo Araújo emphasized that «In Guimarães, sustainability is not the opposite of economic growth. It is the condition that makes that growth possible», highlighting sustainability as a determining factor for business competitiveness in the face of international market and European Union demands.
The Mayor mentioned the reinvention of Guimarães's industrial heritage, citing the Bairro de Couros and Fábrica do Alto as examples of spaces linked to knowledge and innovation. «We have not abandoned our industrial heritage. We are reinventing it for the future», he stated, advocating for closer collaboration between companies, universities, and research centers to accelerate knowledge transfer and promote skilled employment.
The creation of an Economic Development Agency for Guimarães was announced to facilitate the relationship between investors and the Municipality and relevant entities, aiming to strengthen investment attraction and the creation of skilled jobs.
The participation of a delegation from the United Arab Emirates reinforced the international dimension of the event, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Portugal and the UAE. Abdulrahman Al Muaini, Deputy Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, expressed the desire to strengthen bilateral relations. Ahmed Almahmoud, UAE Ambassador to Portugal, and Noura Saeed, a foreign direct investment specialist, were also present.
Cooperation with the United Arab Emirates aims to create opportunities for Portuguese projects, facilitate business internationalization, and promote the exchange of knowledge in areas such as energy, textiles, technology, agriculture, and tourism.
Sérgio Ribeiro, CEO and co-founder of Planetiers World Gathering, praised Guimarães's hospitality and collaborative potential, highlighting synergies and a collective purpose to connect industry with the world. He also valued the work of the Landscape Laboratory in environmental awareness and the education of younger generations.
The fifth edition of the gathering, taking place from October 21st to 23rd, includes conferences, thematic sessions, and strategic meetings, addressing challenges such as the ecological transition, the regenerative economy, and the financing of sustainable solutions.
