OREANDA-NEWS. The importance of Vale's investments towards the sustainable development of Mozambique was one of the main themes of the first Corporate Social Responsibility Workshop held in the African country. During the event, the participants reviewed the concepts of cooperation and sustainability, shared good practices about the theme and took a close look at the Social Responsibility actions that Vale promotes in the communities of Cateme and 25 de Setembro.

About 100 partners, as well as renowned international guests and many of the country's personalities in the fields of culture and literature, attended. One of them was Mia Couto, who is considered one of Mozambique's most important writers. Mr. Couto explored the theme, reiterating that the private sector's investment in Social Responsibility is an obligation, but does not exempt the state from its responsibilities. He also pointed out that all development should be sustainable. “Will a development that is not sustainable ever exist? If it is not sustainable, it cannot be considered development,” he emphasized. The writer's lecture was attended by our Executive Directors Roger Downey and Vania Somavilla, who were in Moatize on a work-related visit.

The objective of the meeting was to strengthen the partnerships linked to Vale's Corporate Social Responsibility actions in the region. The company's initiatives in this area are developed in a joint effort with different companies and institutions. This joining of forces seeks to ensure the effectiveness of the generation of income, creation of jobs and development of human capital by means of education and training.