On June 26, the second round of institutional visits organized by OVIA took place. This phase focused on two prominent institutions in Oeiras: the Welding and Quality Institute (ISQ) and the Sharing Foundation’s International Sharing School.
These visits marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Portugal and Brazil. They provided FINDES with direct access to models of excellence in advanced technical training, applied engineering, international education, and pedagogical innovation, which are the fundamental pillars of the Oeiras Valley ecosystem.
During the visit to ISQ, an OVIA member company and one of Portugal’s leading technological institutions, the FINDES delegation learned about the institute’s activities in various fields, including industrial engineering, energy transition, non-destructive testing, materials qualification, and technical skills development. The delegation was welcomed by Engineer José Figueira, Board Member, who showcased the technological solutions developed in Oeiras and implemented in international markets, including Brazil.
ISQ, which already has a considerable presence in Brazil, emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships for training and technical certification, identifying Brazil as a key market for developing industrial training and sustainability projects.
The delegation then visited the International Sharing School, an innovative international school managed by the Sharing Foundation, also an OVIA member. With a pedagogical approach centered on values such as diversity, creativity, empathy, and critical thinking, the International Sharing School has established itself as a leader in international education, welcoming students from various nationalities and preparing global citizens to face the challenges of the 21st century.
FINDES representatives had the opportunity to explore the educational environment, state-of-the-art learning spaces, and the international education curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB). This reinforced their interest in exploring models of academic cooperation and student and teacher exchanges between Brazil and Portugal.
This second round of visits highlighted the transformative potential of the agreement between OVIA and FINDES, demonstrating that Oeiras has the infrastructure, knowledge, and strategic vision to collaborate actively with Brazil in various key areas of economic and social development.
Through these initiatives, OVIA strengthens its mission to promote Oeiras on the international stage, enhancing business, scientific, and educational networks, and reinforcing its role as a bridge between Europe and the Portuguese-speaking world, particularly Brazil.
