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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.

3.30pm-7pm

Location: Museu Nacional dos Coches Auditorium, Lisbon

27

May

Conference “Orgulhosamente Acompanhados”

Conference organized in partnership with Instituto Diplomático to mark the 100th anniversary of Mário Soares.

5.30pm-8pm

Location: 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.

4pm-7.30pm

Location: 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.

Location: Coliseu 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: Biblioteca Pública e Arquivo Regional de Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores

30

June

Legislators’ Dialogue

Meeting with luso-descendants elected in the USA that aims to promote dialogue on common challenges with community representatives in Congress and state administrations. This event takes place behind closed doors.

Location: FLAD Auditorium, Lisbon

1

July

Legislators’ Dialogue

Meeting with Luso-descendants elected in the USA that aims to promote dialogue on common challenges with community representatives in Congress and state administrations. This event takes place behind closed doors.

Location: 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.

Location: FLAD Gardens, Lisbon

11

July

Diálogos Magistrados Advogados 2025

Event organized by Círculo de Advogados de Contencioso, 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.

Location: 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.

Location: FLAD Auditorium, Lisbon

18-19

September

Lajes International Conference

Conference to mark the 74th anniversary of the Lajes Agreement (1951) and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, recalling the historical and cultural importance of the Lajes Base in the relationship between Portugal and the USA.

Location: Centro Cultural e da Juventude Auditorium/Ramo Grande Auditorium, 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