The Polytechnic University of Setúbal (UNIPS) officially became a member this week of the FOUP – Global Network of Universities for Peace, making it one of six Portuguese Higher Education institutions to join. Founded in Brazil in 2024, this international movement spans over 20 countries, bringing together nearly 190 institutions, including universities, civil society organizations, and governmental bodies, all sharing the mission of promoting peace and collectively building new paths for social transformation.
Through this membership, UNIPS commits to contributing globally to the promotion of a culture of dialogue, academic cooperation, education for peace, Human Rights, and sustainability, aiming to build more just, solidary, and peaceful societies.
“"Universities play an important role in building peace, not only through the knowledge they produce but also through their capacity to foster critical thinking, respect for differences, and dialogue. By joining FOUP, UNIPS strengthens its ability to share experiences internationally and, together with other institutions, develop responses to challenges that require collective action."
The FOUP network, with the general objective to “promote dialogues, research, and actions for peace, devoid of partisan political, religious, and/or ideological interests,” coordinates initiatives such as the International Center for Advanced Studies and Research for Peace and Innovation (CIEPI), the Peace Best Practices Bank, and the Young People for Peace and Cities Friendly to Peace programs. FOUP considers the contribution of Higher Education institutions increasingly urgent in the face of complex social contexts.
