The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Yusufu Ribadu, was among the high-profile participants at the recently held conference of the France-Brazil-Africa Dialogue for Higher Education under the framework of the 2025 France-Brazil culture week institutional encounters and students’ fairs.
The events took place in São Paulo between September 26th and 29th, 2025 and at Rio de Janeiro between the 30th of September and 1st Oct, 2025.
Professor Ribadu, who joined higher education leaders from across the globe in a high-level roundtable with the theme: “Higher Education Facing Climate Change and Ecological Transition Challenges: What Impact on Campuses, Student Life, Teaching and Research?”
This critical session, held at Hotel Intercontinental, São Paulo, was declared open by H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to Brazil.
During his time in São Paulo, the Executive Secretary engaged in strategic institutional dialogues with selected universities from France and Brazil, aimed at strengthening academic collaborations and knowledge exchange.
These engagements were complemented by a cultural visit to the Bienal São Paulo and an academic tour of the University of São Paulo, one of Latin America’s leading institutions.
The dialogue continued in Rio de Janeiro with more roundtable discussions, a campus tour of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), and explorations of Brazil’s vibrant cultural heritage, including visits to the iconic Corcovado Mountain and the famous Escadaria Selarón (Coloured Stairs).
This international gathering brought forward meaningful conversations around sustainability, innovation in education, and the future of global academic cooperation.
It also witnessed the participation of 38 French institutions, 94 Brazilian institutions, and 5 African institutions, fostering a rich space for dialogue and new opportunities for academic and scientific cooperation.
The forum initiated by the President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron and his Brazilian Counterpart, Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the France-Brazil 2025 Season marks 200 years of bilateral relations and aims to strengthen ties between the two countries.
It focuses on three major themes: climate and ecological transition; social diversity and dialogue with Africa; and democracy and the rule of law. Beyond these axes, the Season, which ran from April to September 2025 in France, then running currently from August to December 2025 in Brazil.
The Higher education dialogue aims to boost cooperation in culture, the economy, research, education and sport, with a particular focus on youth and professional exchanges.
The Season is organized and implemented:
- for Brazil: by the Institut Guimarães Rosa, under the Ministry of Foreign Relations, the Ministry of Culture, the Brazilian Embassy in France and the Brazilian Commissariat entrusted to Mr. Emilio Kalil;
- for France: by the Institut français with the support of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, the French Embassy in Brazil and the French Commissariat entrusted to Madame Anne Louyot.
This French coordinated programme in Brazil is supported by the Patrons’ Committee under the auspices and Chair of the Company Chairman of ENGIE, Mr. Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, and comprising ENGIE Foundation, LVMH, Adeo, JCDecaux, Sanofi, Airbus, CMA CGM, CNP Assurances, L’Oréal, TotalEnergies Foundation, VINCI, BNP Paribas, Carrefour, Vicat and Scor
Meanwhile, the France- Brazil Africa Forum 2025 returned for its 13th edition, shining a spotlight on sustainable agriculture and food security—fundamental pillars for global prosperity.
It was described by participants as more than a conference, and represents is a dynamic hub where leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society connect to exchange ideas and drive meaningful change.
As a key platform for Brazil-Africa cooperation, the event fosters dialogue and promotes initiatives that strengthen resilience and sustainability and by bringing together global efforts, it paved the way for innovative solutions to shared challenges