On January 17, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation hosted the conference “The Portugal we have and the Portugal we want to have,” organized by Diário de Notícias to celebrate its 160th anniversary. The event brought together leading figures from Portuguese society, including H.E., the President of the Republic, Professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and experts from various strategic sectors, to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the country’s future.
One of the conference’s highlights was the speech delivered by Ambassador António Martins da Cruz, Chairman of the OVIA Board, who underscored the pivotal role of technology, innovation, and sustainability as fundamental pillars for national development. He emphasized Oeiras as a vital engine of progress, describing the municipality as an ecosystem of excellence that attracts cutting-edge technology companies and fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors. Ambassador Martins da Cruz also highlighted Oeiras’ commitment to visionary leadership, which strengthens the local economy and serves as a model for the rest of the country. The Ambassador emphasized that Portugal’s future success depends on balancing tradition and innovation, with Oeiras serving as a prime example of this effort.
The conference addressed a range of critical topics related to Portugal’s future, including demographics, integration, artificial intelligence, and economic strategy. It brought together government officials, economists, academics, and business leaders, all contributing to a robust and forward-looking dialogue.
The event delivered a clear message: Portugal has the resources and potential to overcome future challenges, but success will require an ambitious and integrated strategy. Local initiatives, such as those led by Oeiras, are poised to inspire meaningful progress on both a national and global scale.