“The world needs beacons, and the Azores are today one of those beacons—a territory showing that it is possible to do things differently and better. Sustainability is not an obstacle but a competitive advantage. Respecting the land, the sea, and space is the best way to enhance our value,” stated José Manuel Bolieiro.
The head of the Azorean executive was speaking at the closing session of the ‘Sister Cities Summit,’ held in Ponta Delgada, marking the 40th anniversary of the Luso-American Foundation for Development (FLAD), established under the Bilateral Cooperation and Defense Agreement between the USA and Portugal.
Bolieiro noted, “In terms of ocean protection, the Azores are leading the world by example,” with the United Nations conference on oceans recognizing this leadership in the early achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to the executive leader, the future vision for the Azores is “to be relevant, respected, recognized, valued, and rewarded for the natural assets it represents for the country, Europe, and the world.”
Bolieiro emphasized that the Azores aim to be “actors and beneficiaries of future blue economy policies, space economy, and the scientific and technological changes associated with them,” in a “future where climate, energy, and digital transitions matter to everyone and no one should be excluded.”
For the Azorean Government, sustainable development “is not the enemy of progress; it is its advancement,” the region has “demonstrated that it is possible to grow sustainably.”
Bolieiro highlighted investments in electric mobility, encouraging organic farming, protecting marine reserves, and continuous training of sector professionals.
The official reiterated that the Azores were “the first archipelago in the world, in 2019, to achieve ‘Sustainable Tourism Destination’ certification according to EarthCheck criteria,” an “international recognition that attests to the commitment to responsible environmental, social, and economic practices.”
Bolieiro also conveyed that the Azores “do not just want to be a travel destination” in tourism terms but “a model for the future.”
Nuno Morais Sarmento, president of FLAD, stated that this initiative aimed to “encourage ties” between sister cities in the United States and Portugal, aiming to “strengthen transatlantic relations at a local level.”
According to Morais Sarmento, this initiative is about “building something new but lasting,” with FLAD “making an effort to ensure a new generation of leaders” in transatlantic relations.
