As the world looks to Brazil for COP30, join the University of Notre Dame in São Paulo, Brazil for a Pre-COP Conference to help shape the conversation before the world gathers in Belém. The University is convening thought leaders, scholars, and changemakers at this critical moment to deepen its commitment to global dialogue for sustainability and reflect on its mission to be a force for good—locally and globally. Learn more about Notre Dame's engagement with COP.
Notre Dame Global and Notre Dame São Paulo, look to strengthen their partnerships in Brazil by hosting this conference together with the Notre Dame Club of Brazil, Notre Dame Research, the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethic Leadership (NDDCEL), Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative (ND-ECI), and the Notre Dame Alumni Association.
Attendees can expect to:
⇒ Build and strengthen research collaborations and partnerships with colleagues from around Brazil
⇒ Network with industry experts who have an interest in sustainability
⇒ Represent University of Notre Dame as a panelist at USP’s Bora Preserva event
After the Conference
Conference participants are welcome to remain in Brazil at their own cost. If ND faculty participants wish to attend COP30 Amazonia, complete the application to join the ND delegation.
Registration for the conference is closed
Themes & Topics
This 2-day convening aims to build and strengthen research collaborations, engaging the Brazilian research community in partnership with faculty from the University of Notre Dame. Research sessions will be themed and focus on advancing research partnerships aligned with the University of Notre Dame’s strategic priorities, which includes Just Transitions to Sustainability.
We are particularly interested in the following themes:
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Climate Risk Assessment, Adaptation, and Decision Support
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Regenerative and Adaptive Livelihoods
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Socio-Political Organizations and Institutions, Human Behavior, and Well-Being
Additional sessions will prioritize collaborative work between university faculty at Notre Dame and the University of São Paulo, while alumni and other friends of the University from the region will engage around the conference themes and stakeholder partners.
Tentative Schedule
| Tuesday, November 4, 2025 |
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Arrival in São Paulo, Brazil.
- Shuttles will pick up participants from São Paulo International Airport (GRU); arrive at Radisson Oscar Freire Hotel
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4:30pm-6:00pm
- Welcome Reception at Radisson Oscar Freire Hotel
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6:00pm-7:00pm
- Hesburgh Lecture on “Inclusive Ethical Leadership for Sustainable Communities”, at Insper University
SPEAKERS
Jessica McManus Warnell
Rex and Alice A. Martin Faculty Director, Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership
Managing Director, Human-centered Analytics Lab
Mendoza College of Business
Ray Offenheiser
Director, McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business
Senior Advisor to the Dean
Keough School of Global Affairs
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| Wednesday, November 5, 2025 |
- Shuttle departs from Radisson Oscar Freire; arrives at University of São Paulo
SPEAKERS
Thais Pires
Jessica McManus Warnell
Danielle Wood
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9:30am - 10:30am
- Panel Session: Listening to Brazilian Experts: Key Themes for Climate Action
ABOUT
This panel will set the stage for conference participants to have a broad understanding of the climate change challenges in Brazil and South America and inspire potential research collaborations to serve a world in need.
CHAIR
Jessica McManus Warnell
ABOUT
In small groups, participants will have discussions to get to know each other and their institutional strengths and begin to identify potential joint research areas.
FACILITATOR
Maggie Dankert
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12:00pm-1:00pm
- Lunch at Sweden Restaurant
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1:15pm-2:15pm
- University of Notre Dame’s Climate Research Landscape
ABOUT
In this panel session, representatives from the University of Notre Dame will share their perspectives on the broad research landscape and priorities in the field of climate change and sustainability.
MODERATOR
Danielle Wood
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2:15-3:00pm
- Ideation Session 1: Climate Change & University Research Strengths
ABOUT
Facilitated discussion with all participants about areas for collaboration among respective universities in the conference.
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3:00-3:30pm
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3:30-5:00pm
- Ideation Session 2: Research Roundtables
ABOUT
Small-group discussions to brainstorm potential research collaborations between participants and universities at the conference.
- Shuttle departs from University of Sao Paulo, arrives at Radisson Oscar Freire
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7:00-9:00pm
- Bridging Worlds Reception
Rastaurante Badebec (inside Radisson Oscar Freire). Hor d’ouerves served
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| Thursday, November 6, 2025 |
- Shuttle departs from Radisson Oscar Freire; arrives at University of Sao Paulo
ABOUT
Small groups present on early-stage concepts they have envisioned together, with other conference members providing feedback on ways to improve and/or strengthen the concept, potential additional collaborators, and possible funding sources.
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12:00pm-1:00pm
- Lunch at Sweden Restaurant
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1:00-2:00pm
- Reflection & Concept paper drafting
ABOUT
Small groups come back together to build out a 1-page concept after morning’s feedback. Concept note captures potential research collaboration projects: sample projects, collaborators, key words, potential funders, and next steps.
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2:00pm-2:45pm
- SPRINTing towards Next Steps
ABOUT
A representative from the FAPESP organization will share information about potential next steps after the conference.
CHAIR
Thais Pires
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2:45pm-3:00pm
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3:00pm-5:00pm
- Free time to participate in USP’s Bora Preservar Conference
- Shuttle departs from University of Sao Paulo, arrives at Radisson Oscar Freire
- Dinner on own
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| Friday, November 7, 2025 |
- Shuttle departs from Radisson Oscar Freire; arrives at University of Sao Paulo
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9:00am-1:30pm
- Free time to participate in USP’s Bora Preservar Conference
- Shuttle departs from University of Sao Paulo, arrives at Radisson Oscar Freire
- Shuttle departs from hotel for Sao Paulo International Airport (GRU)
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Conference Sponsors
Originally published at saopaulo.nd.edu.
