President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took part on Sunday (27) in the 14th Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) in Sao Tome, the capital of Sao Tome and Principe, an island country off the west coast of Africa.

At the event, the temporary presidency of the CPLP passed from Angola to Sao Tome and Principe for the 2023-2025 period. The main themes of the Sao Tomean presidency are “Youth and Sustainability”. During the Angolan presidency, for the 2021-2023 period, in addition to political understanding and an agenda in the social and cultural areas, the economic and business cooperation began to be intensified in the community, as reported by
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President Lula recalled that the CPLP countries bring together almost 300 million consumers, across four continents and with a GDP of US$ 2.3 trillion.

This Sunday, the heads of state and government approved the administrative reform of the CPLP, with the creation of the Directorate for Economic and Business Affairs, which will expand partnerships in these areas.

For Lula, the countries are facing the challenge of boosting their economies to guarantee decent work, fair wages and protection for workers.

The Brazilian leader reiterated that sustainable development must be considered from a social, economic and environmental perspective. He cited the results of the Amazon Summit held earlier this month in Belem, Pennsylvania, and said that the fight against climate change is a central focus of Brazil’s current foreign policy.

“Among the participants of the summit were many young people who are involved in the fight against climate change in different ways. We must put people at the centre of public policy, creating solutions that fairly pay for the conservation of forests and biodiversity. Young people, with their energy and creativity, are a driving force in finding innovative solutions to sustainable development challenges,” said Lula.

According to Sao Tome and Principe President Carlos Vila Nova, CPLP Heads of State and Government should “reflect seriously” on the role of youth and take “stronger action” to combat climate challenges and create new opportunities.

“Young generations are recognised as catalysts for the changes needed to ensure a more sustainable future for the planet. This relationship is even more relevant for small island states, which face unique challenges due to their environmental vulnerability and predominantly young populations seeking new opportunities,” emphasised Carlos Vila Nova, President of Sao Tome and Principe.

Photo:
Rede TV!