Innospec and UNESCO IESALC: A Partnership for Indigenous STEM Education in Brazil

Innospec, a global specialty chemicals company, has joined forces with UNESCO's International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC) to increase the participation of indigenous students and researchers in STEM education and initiatives in Brazil. This strategic partnership aims to foster intercultural dialogue, promote equity, and advance sustainability through STEM education.

The collaboration, announced in 2025, seeks to create a mutual STEM learning environment where indigenous students and stakeholders in the higher education sustainability field can collaboratively explore sustainability knowledges and practices from diverse world views. By promoting intercultural STEM training and fostering continuous intercultural innovation, the project aims to enhance the representation of indigenous students and researchers in STEM disciplines across Latin America.



The partnership aligns with Innospec's core investment values, particularly in terms of risk management and market trends. By engaging with indigenous communities and incorporating their knowledge into STEM education, Innospec mitigates the risk of overlooking valuable perspectives and potential solutions to environmental and social challenges. The project's multistakeholder approach, involving indigenous students, educational institutions, the broader scientific community, the public sector, and the private sector, promotes inclusivity and reduces the risk of siloed thinking. The baseline assessment and continuous dialogue fostered by the project help manage risks by ensuring that the project remains responsive to the needs and expectations of all stakeholders.

Innospec's investment in this project demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to risk management and market trends, as it addresses the need for diverse perspectives in academia and policymaking while capitalizing on emerging trends in higher education and STEM education.

The partnership presents both opportunities and challenges for Innospec in the Brazilian market. By engaging with indigenous communities and higher education institutions, Innospec can expand its market reach, potentially leading to new business opportunities and partnerships. However, the company must navigate cultural sensitivities, language barriers, and the evolving regulatory and political landscape in Brazil to successfully implement its initiatives.

To adapt to these evolving market conditions, Innospec can strengthen cultural competency through training and education for employees, build strategic partnerships with local organizations, indigenous communities, and educational institutions, monitor regulatory changes, and measure and report the impact of its initiatives.

The long-term sustainability implications of this partnership are significant. By increasing the representation of indigenous students and researchers in STEM, the project will lead to a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce, contributing to a more sustainable future. The project's focus on incorporating diverse knowledge systems and promoting intercultural dialogue in STEM education will result in a more holistic approach to sustainability, enabling the development of innovative, context-specific solutions to environmental and social challenges. The project's emphasis on greening higher education and promoting equity and inclusion will lead to the development of green skills and educational opportunities for underrepresented groups, contributing to a more skilled and adaptable workforce better equipped to tackle the challenges of a changing world.

In conclusion, the partnership between Innospec and UNESCO IESALC contributes to the development of creative hubs and innovation in the STEM education sector by promoting intercultural STEM training, fostering continuous intercultural innovation, and creating connections and opportunities. The long-term sustainability implications of this collaboration include increased representation of indigenous students and researchers in STEM, a holistic approach to sustainability, and enhanced capacity building and skill development.