Arouca served as the venue for the I UNESCO Global Geoparks Forum of the CPLP, held from May 27 to 30, 2026. The event, organized by the Arouca Geopark Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Arouca and other entities, gathered around 120 participants, including institutional representatives and experts. The Forum aimed to promote the appreciation of geological heritage and discuss topics such as geoconservation and sustainable tourism. During the opening, Manuel Clarote Lapão from the CPLP Executive Secretariat emphasized the event's significance in the context of the CPLP's 30th anniversary. A highlight was the presentation of the 'Arouca Commitment for UNESCO Global Geoparks', aimed at strengthening cooperation among Portuguese-speaking countries. The program also included a photography contest and visits to emblematic sites. The Forum concluded with the handover for the II Forum, scheduled to take place in 2028 in Brazil.