40 Years of Commitment: A Bridge Across the Ocean
On May 20, 1985, the first foundation resulting from an agreement between two countries was born.
With the mission of strengthening the historic alliance between Portugal and the United States, FLAD has brought this commitment to life over four intense decades, built upon the pillars of art and culture, science and technology, education, and transatlantic relations.
In a world where cooperation and collective intelligence are strategic tools for human progress, FLAD stands as a platform for knowledge and active participation in the service of citizenship and human development.
The only common border between the United States and Portugal is the ocean. But this border does not divide us; on the contrary, it unites us. It is a bridge that connects us and a shared destiny.
This ocean, a true link between our two nations, is not only a physical reality but also a symbolic space for convergence and exchange. In 2025, we celebrate 40 years of this shared vision, reaffirming the bonds that unite us and shaping the future together.
Join us.
From Coast to Coast.
"The 2024 election is going to be a messy one even by American standards."
Kori Schake, on the occasion of the conference 'Democracy: The Way Ahead', at FLAD | January 11, 2024
Agenda
20
May
Conference “Breathing with the Ocean”
FLAD’s 40th Anniversary. Conference dedicated to the oceans with Tiago Pitta e Cunha, Executive Director – Oceano Azul Foundation, Peter Heffernan – Ocean Ambassador – Member of the EU Mission Board “Restore Our Ocean and Waters” – Former CEO Marine Institute Ireland and Mark J. Spalding – President of The Ocean Foundation.
15:30-19:00
Venue: National Coach Museum Auditorium, Lisbon
27
May
“Proudly Accompanied” Conference
Conference organized in partnership with the Diplomatic Institute to mark the 100th anniversary of Mário Soares.
17:30-20:00
Venue: FLAD Auditorium, Lisbon
17
June
Celebrating 40 Years of FLAD, 10 Years of SiPN: A Mosaic of History and Future
Celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Study in Portugal Network (SiPN), FLAD’s program, in Portugal, with a series of conversations about and with the community that made this program a success, reflecting on its future.
16:00-19:30
Venue: FLAD Auditorium and Gardens, Lisbon
25-27
June
Sister Cities Summit
In partnership with the Regional Government of the Azores, FLAD organizes in São Miguel, Azores, the largest meeting on twinning agreements between Portugal and the USA, strengthening partnerships and historical ties. The ‘Sister Cities Summit’ includes conferences, a photographic exhibition about the Azorean diaspora in the USA, cultural and musical moments.
Venue: Teatro Micaelense, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores
27
June
230th Anniversary of the U.S. Consulate in the Azores
Celebration of the 230th anniversary of the oldest U.S. consulate in the world, in the Azores. The event will take place in the late afternoon of June 27, with a commemorative cocktail, at the Public Library and Regional Archive of Ponta Delgada and will be attended by the Consul, Margaret Campbell.
Location: Public Library and Regional Archive of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores
30
June
Legislators’ Dialogue
Meeting that brings together in Lisbon a delegation of Portuguese descendants elected to Congress and state assemblies in the USA, with the aim of promoting dialogue on common challenges, making known the Portuguese political, economic and social reality and strengthening ties with active members of the Portuguese diaspora. This event takes place behind closed doors.
Venue: FLAD Auditorium, Lisbon
1
July
Legislators’ Dialogue
Meeting that brings together in Lisbon a delegation of Portuguese descendants elected to Congress and state assemblies in the USA, with the aim of promoting dialogue on common challenges, making known the Portuguese political, economic and social reality and strengthening ties with active members of the Portuguese diaspora. This event takes place behind closed doors.
Venue: FLAD Auditorium, Lisbon
4
July
Toast to America
Launch of FLAD 40 Years Wine. In 1776, after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington toasted the future with Madeira wine. In partnership with the American Club of Lisbon and with a performance by Elas e o Jazz.
Location: FLAD Gardens, Lisbon
11
July
Dialogues Magistrates Lawyers 2025
Event organized by the Circle of Litigation Lawyers, in partnership with FLAD, with the central theme of the class action and private enforcement regime, areas in which the North American justice system is particularly recognized.
Venue: Estoril Congress Center
21-24
July
International Network for Relational Development
Meeting organized by Relational Lab, with the support of FLAD, for the launch of the “International Network for Relational Development”. The initiative aims to consolidate informal networks by bringing together similar institutions from different countries around the concept of relational development, based on the dynamic axis of Portuguese and North American organizations.
Venue: FLAD Auditorium, Lisbon
18-19
September
Lajes International Conference
Commemorative Conference of the 30th Anniversary of the Cooperation and Defense Agreement between Portugal and the United States of America (1995) and the 80th Anniversary of the End of the Second World War. The program also includes a musical moment with AngraJazz, including the interpretation of the song sung by Frank Sinatra on Terceira Island, in 1945.
Venue: Auditorium of the Cultural and Youth Centre/Auditorium of Ramo Grande, Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island, Azores
11
October
Amália in America – Beyond Fado
Closing concert of the celebrations of FLAD’s 40th anniversary. The Portuguese Symphony Orchestra and some of the biggest names in national music take the stage at Carnegie Hall, to celebrate Amália’s return to Broadway.
Location: Carnegie Hall, New York, USA
News
Coast to Coast Collection Launch
Coast to Coast is a journey made up of words, ideas, and stories, connecting…
Lajes International Conference | 18 and 19 September
An international meeting that aims to reflect on the past, debate the present and…
FLAD’s new podcast “Os Primos da América”
Created in partnership with RDP Internacional and Mensagem de Lisboa, as part of…
Sister Cities Summit | June 25, 26 and 27, in Ponta Delgada
International meeting in the Azores will bring together representatives of…
Podcast
