The “Dictionary of European Values and Citizenship”, the most recent work published by the UNESCO Chair - The City that Educates and Transforms, was launched on January 29th at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Coordinated by Professors Isabel Baltazar and Fátima Pacheco, the presentation also featured prominent speakers: Professor Guilherme d'Oliveira Martins, Portugal's Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Ana Paula Zacarias, and Professor Manuel Porto.

Professor Isabel Baltazar began the launching ceremony with a profound thank you to all the participants in the work for their incredible contribution - in record time - to European values, and to those present. With the participation of 112 authors from the fields of European Studies, Law, History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, the dictionary consists of 105 entries that illustrate European identity.

Professor Guilherme d'Oliveira emphasized what a powerful tool this book is and that it is "more topical than ever", since it is never too much to revisit the foundations of the European Union. As a starting point for future reflection, the dictionary conveys values that should be incorporated into active citizenship. He ended his speech by saying that situations must be created at international level so that these values can be put into practice.

Ambassador Ana Paula Zacarias calls this book "a map of knowledge that organizes complex themes in a systematic and practical way" that not only informs, but also inspires. The “Dictionary of Values and European Citizenship” unites academic thought with European citizenship, encouraging active participation and reflection on the importance of these values in society. For his part, Professor Manuel Porto extolled European values, affirming the importance of works which build and encourage active European citizenship. Fátima Pacheco, co-coordinator of the work, said a few words about it, characterizing the dictionary as "an appeal for the foundations of European identity not to be emptied".

Isabel Baltazar, Coordinator of the UNESCO Chair, ended the ceremony by quoting some words from the President of ISEC Lisboa, Professor Cristina Ventura, in her capacity as President of the International Network of Cities that Educate and Transform (RICET), affirming the important role of the Chair, led by ISEC Lisboa, and praising the importance of the role of the City in building citizenship.

Also present was the most recent member of the UNESCO Chair - the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria (IPLeiria), in the person of Professor Jorge Varela, from the ESECS/IPLeiria Board, representing the President of IPLeiria.

This dictionary proves to be an invitation to reflect on European values and identity, which is marked by a rich heritage and diversity. Through an interdisciplinary approach, it unites academic thinking with the need to build an active citizenship where citizenship and rights are respected, protected and promoted, ensuring a future of peace, equity and prosperity. The work also had the indispensable contribution of 8 ISEC Lisboa professors.