Recife, Brazil, 1st October 2025 – The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) took part in the XVIII General Assembly and XV International Seminar of the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB), held from 30 September to 3 October in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation, H.E. Manssour Bin Mussallam, was represented by Professor Hirut Woldemariam, Under-Secretary-General for Research, Evaluation and Foresight (REEF).
The event, organised in partnership with the Federal University of Pernambuco and other institutions, was convened under the theme: “Democracy, Geopolitics, and International University Cooperation: Building Bridges for Peace and Global Sustainability.”
In her remarks, Professor Hirut emphasised that countries of the Greater South share common challenges rooted in colonial legacies, economic crises, environmental degradation, social disruption, and geopolitical tensions. She stressed that deeper mutual understanding, stronger connections, and meaningful cooperation among the peoples of the Greater South are essential for lasting peace, sovereignty, and prosperity across the region.
Her call to action focused on strengthening interregional cooperation through joint efforts in reimagining education systems, bridging the technological divide, advancing democracy, and navigating geopolitical complexities with wisdom.
“Let us bridge divides and foster peaceful processes together,” concluded Professor Hirut in her address.
