"Freedom of expression, media pluralism, multilingualism, equal access to scientific and technological knowledge and the possibility of expression of all cultures are inalienable values and are considered by the CPLP as a strategic instrument for the promotion of dialogue and the building of alliances between civilizations", said Zacarias da Costa, in his speech at the United Nations (UN) Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations, which is being held in Cascais, Portugal.
The executive secretary highlighted that, in a global context, where conflicts "based on cultural and religious differences" continue to be "a significant challenge", the CPLP "has embraced the task of being, increasingly, a space of cooperation, fraternity and friendship between peoples".
People who, according to Zacarias da Costa, share not only the language, but also "the perennial values of Peace, Democracy and the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Development and Social Justice".
According to the person responsible, the community is concerned about the inexorable advance of the climate threat, the resurgence of hunger, the difficulty in generating understanding about a safer and more participatory global health model, the difficulty in calibrating a sustainable energy transition model, and "the immobility of a multilateral system with governance references that are inadequate to the challenges and demands of a world that has profoundly changed".
"An effective global governance model that can address these challenges will only be complete with recognition of the inclusive contribution of different stakeholders, including civil society and, in particular, organizations led by women and youth," he argued.
For Zacarias da Costa, "the role of women and young people as fundamental agents of social transformation and construction of intercultural bridges recommends their inclusion in decision-making processes".
The head of the CPLP reaffirmed that the moment the world is experiencing is also "an opportunity to strengthen multilateralism, partnerships and global dialogue", to build societies that are "more resilient, inclusive and equitable, which are capable of preventing conflicts and generate supportive responses to challenges" that are placed on them.
He highlighted CPLP's commitment to "joining its voice to the cause of promoting intercultural dialogue, with the awareness that the world's cultures constitute the common heritage of humanity and must be recognized and consolidated for the benefit of present and future generations".
Until Wednesday, Cascais will host the 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), at the Estoril Congress Center, with the presence of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, and dozens of Foreign Ministers, senior officials of several international organizations and several former heads of State and Government.
The forum celebrates the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Alliance of Civilizations and aims to take stock of the efforts made over the last two decades, with a view to planning the future of the initiative.
The opening ceremony of the Forum, this Wednesday, featured interventions by António Guterres, the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the King of Spain, Felipe VI, and the high representative for UNAOC, Miguel Ángel Morantinos, between others.
The CPLP includes as member states Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe and Timor-Leste.
