Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from across the Latin America region gathered at The University of Queensland (UQ) on 8 September for the 19th UQ-Latin American Colloquium, alongside academics, government representatives, industry leaders and students.
Hosted by UQ Global Partnerships, the event explored the theme Shared Futures, Shared Solutions: Australia–Latin America Cooperation in an Era of Global Volatility, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in sustainability, energy transition, education, research and social development.
The Colloquium featured a keynote address from Professor Arturo Cabrera-Hidalgo, Academic Director of the Australia-Latin America Studies and Research Organisation (ALASRO) and former Vice Minister and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador. He said that, in a world marked by uncertainty, knowledge had become a powerful instrument of diplomacy.
“Universities have a unique capacity to connect societies through research, education and cultural exchange, creating relationships built on trust, respect and a shared commitment to the public good,” Professor Cabrera-Hidalgo said.
“The importance of these connections will only grow in the years ahead, as nations look to knowledge, innovation and collaboration to navigate increasingly complex challenges.”
The event, which was attended by 7 Ambassadors and 4 Honorary Consuls, showcased UQ's extensive engagement across Latin America, including partnerships in sustainability, mining and resources, health, agriculture and education.
Panel discussions explored approaches to sustainability and energy transition, while examining the role of culture, community and diverse perspectives in fostering international understanding and responding to global change. The event also featured student lightning talks, poster presentations and networking opportunities, highlighting the next generation of leaders and researchers shaping Australia–Latin America engagement.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said universities have a responsibility not only to generate knowledge, but also to work in partnership with governments, industry and communities to translate research into tangible social, environmental and economic outcomes.
Highlighting UQ's Sustainable Minerals Institute International Centre of Excellence in Chile (SMI-ICE-Chile), Professor Terry said enduring partnerships built on shared expertise and common challenges have the power to deliver lasting benefits for communities across both regions.
“Australia and Chile are both resource-rich nations, whose economies depend in large part on our mining industries. We face similar challenges in industry, community and environmental sustainability, and working together we can support each other as these industries evolve and adapt,” Professor Terry said.
Now in its 19th year, the UQ Annual Latin American Colloquium is a flagship event celebrating the University's enduring ties with Latin America. Bringing together leaders from academia, government, industry and the diplomatic community, the Colloquium fosters dialogue, strengthens partnerships and highlights the vital role of international collaboration in addressing shared global challenges.
Watch the highlights from the Colloquium
Images: Jenny Cuerel.
