In February 2023, the President of the Republic of Cabo Verde, Dr. José Maria Neves, was appointed by the African Heads of State as Champion of the African Union for the Preservation of Africa's Natural and Cultural Heritage.

On July 18, 2023, during his visit to Ribeira Grande de Santiago, Mr. Neves held an open discussion with agents involved in cultural heritage management. Jean Piaget University was represented by a delegation of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students, accompanied by Prof. W. Szymaniak.

The meeting mainly discussed the challenges and weaknesses of preserving the immovable historical heritage in Cidade Velha.

Dr. Margarida Fontes, enrolled in the doctorate in Sustainable Development and Globalization, moderated the discussion led by professors Nardi Sousa and Isildo Gomes.

In his speech, the President stressed the role of scientific research and universities in the modern management of historical heritage, seen as a generator of resources for quality of life.