Bhubaneswar: Ten ambassadors representing Latin American and Caribbean countries visited the KIIT and KISS on Monday.
The envoys from Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Suriname, Chile, Jamaica, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Colombia were impressed by the transformative model of education and empowerment at KISS, the world’s largest institution for tribal students.
They expressed admiration for the vision of KIIT-KISS founder Dr Achyuta Samanta.
The ambassadors participated in a panel discussion on ‘Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions: Advancing the SDGs Through South-South Collaboration’, focussing on key themes like education and knowledge exchange, climate action and resilience, health and social development, trade and innovation, gender equality and inclusion, and partnership and diplomacy.
“It is a great occasion in my capacity as Coordinator of the Group of Ambassadors of Latin American and Caribbean countries in India to be part of this roundtable,” said Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, Dean of GRULAC and Ambassador of Uruguay.
“GRULAC is willing to create a roadmap of cooperation drawing on shared experiences to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). South-South collaboration is essential, and our partnership with India can build on digital inclusion, renewable energy, and large-scale development programmes, combined with GRULAC’s expertise in climate adaptation, indigenous knowledge, and community-based innovations,” Amarilla expressed.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr Samanta said: “You have first-hand seen and experienced KIIT and KISS. Over the years, we have hosted more than 200 prime ministers, presidents, policymakers, ambassadors, and high commissioners, but today is special because it brings together thought leaders from the Global South to discuss the world’s most urgent needs.”
He called the panel a moment of pride for Odisha and India, noting that the discussions mirror the living model of SDGs at KIIT and KISS. “Every tribal child at KISS was born into circumstances they didn’t choose. But here, they choose their future. When a girl from a remote village becomes a scientist, when a boy designs renewable energy systems, this is the SDG promise fulfilled,” Samanta remarked.
Dr Samanta urged the ambassadors to ensure establishment of a GRULAC Chapter at KIIT and KISS as more than protocol, as a genuine exchange of innovation and knowledge between Latin America and India.
