Zambujal 360, an initiative that combines urban art, sustainability, and social inclusion, was officially inaugurated on 22 October, marking the beginning of a new phase of social, cultural, and environmental transformation in the Zambujal neighbourhood of the municipality of Amadora, Portugal. The neighbourhood aims to become the world’s first social housing community to serve as an ambassador for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Promoted by the CAZAmbujal association and the NGO Ad Gentes, the project is built on three main pillars: local commerce, education, and education through art. Its key objectives include strengthening the neighbourhood’s economy, promoting residents’ well-being through physical activity, and reinforcing the sense of local belonging through artistic expression.
One of the project’s cornerstones is the creation of an urban art gallery featuring 17 murals, each representing one of the SDGs. These works not only beautify the neighbourhood but also serve as tools for raising awareness and educating for sustainability. Each mural was designed with active participation from residents, reflecting their stories and perspectives, and is linked to a sponsoring entity that supports global citizenship activities such as guided tours, training for schools and businesses, and the promotion of sustainable business models.
The gallery project was conceived in 2021, funded over the following two years, and implemented between 2023 and 2025 on the façades of various buildings in the neighbourhood. In addition to the 17 entities that financed the murals, the United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC) was distinguished with a diploma of “Ally of Zambujal 360” for being an institutional partner since the beginning of this initiative, contributing to its visibility and outreach, helping to position it as a model for community-led sustainable development.
Beyond art, Zambujal 360 focuses on youth training and cultural and social revitalisation, promoting the redevelopment of urban spaces and creating opportunities for learning and skills development. The project’s impact has gone beyond local borders, attracting visits from schools, universities, and educational groups interested in sustainable practices and community engagement.
The inauguration brought together representatives of the 17 sponsoring entities in a festive atmosphere near CAZAmbujal. It featured musical performances, a community lunch, certificate presentations, and speeches by partners and local authorities highlighting the social and sustainable impact of Zambujal 360. The event concluded with remarks by Sherri Alids, the Director of the United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC), the raising of the SDG flag and a guided tour of the neighbourhood’s urban art gallery.
