The Luso-American Development Foundation received with great sadness the news of the death of Nuno Morais Sarmento, President of FLAD between August 2024 and January 2026.
Despite his short mandate, which ended two months ago for health reasons, Nuno Morais Sarmento directed this institution with great vigor, initiative and FLAD’s ability to project itself in Portugal and the United States of America.
By promoting an extensive program for the celebrations of FLAD’s 40th anniversary, which took place between May and October 2025, Nuno Morais Sarmento wanted the entire program to reflect a vision of the future for the Foundation’s mission. The Atlantic, the Portuguese language, the importance of the Portuguese-American communities and the strengthening of political, academic, scientific and cultural ties between Portugal and the United States were the inspiration for a series of initiatives in Lisbon, the Azores, New York and Washington.
Over the course of just over a year, Nuno Morais Sarmento contributed markedly to the public recognition of FLAD on both sides of the Atlantic, as was evident in the unforgettable show “Amália in América – Beyond Fado”, which on October 11, 2025 filled the famous Carnegie Hall in New York. It was a huge celebration of Portuguese culture with the Portuguese-descendant communities in mind, which were also joined by Americans and Portuguese in a closing that was, as he dreamed, a great Portuguese celebration in America.
For all this and much more, the Executive Board, the governing bodies and all FLAD employees thank Nuno Morais Sarmento for his legacy and send their condolences to his family and friends.
