Alliance for climate transparency in Ecuador: the University of Azuay as a key player in the care of sustainable communities
On September 16, the University of Azuay together with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, the United Nations Environment Program and the Latin American Future Foundation held the event "Presentation of Strategic Alliances for Climate Transparency in Ecuador."
The event was attended by authorities, teachers, administrative staff and students from our university community, authorities and members of the various institutions mentioned above, the media and the general public.
Climate transparency promotes public trust by allowing citizens to access clear and accurate data on greenhouse gas emissions and climate policies enacted by the environmental and climate change authority. This boosts citizen participation in decision-making, fosters collaboration across sectors, and facilitates monitoring of progress towards climate goals, resulting in more effective and sustainable management of climate change.
The welcoming remarks were made by Francisco Salgado, rector of the University of Azuay, who in his speech mentioned that the signed agreement reflects the commitment to climate change. He also pointed out that this program seeks to educate and train citizens to understand environmental indicators and contribute to the most vulnerable populations so that they have a dignified life; preserving the environment for life and future generations is a key task for the University.
In turn, Pablo Beltrán Ayala, president of the Higher Education Council, addressed the audience, pointing out that climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face, not only as a country, but as humanity. He also mentioned that this challenge cannot be faced by public institutions in isolation but requires the participation and joint work of civil society, the private sector and academia.
Federico Geli, from the UNEP Climate Change Division for Latin America and the Caribbean, later highlighted the importance of understanding the information provided by different entities in order to use it responsibly and thus generate a significant change in society.
The Executive Director of the Latin American Future Foundation, Pablo Lloret, also addressed those present, saying that climate change requires, more than ever, a firm and decisive commitment from all sectors of society; it is time to act responsibly and with the conviction that every effort will be decisive in building a better country.
Once the interventions were completed, the Minister of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition and the Rector of the University of Azuay proceeded to sign the agreement for an articulated, orderly collaboration seeking to contribute to MAATE as the governing entity in its role of managing climate transparency in the country.
Finally, Inés María Manzano, Minister of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition of our country, addressed the audience highlighting the importance of working in the fight against climate change from a joint vision, where the most important thing is the preservation of water and that it must be conserved for a better and more sustainable future for all.
