José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed World Bank administrators at Sant’Ana Palace - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, welcomed today a delegation of World Bank administrators on an official visit to the Region at the Sant’Ana Palace. The meeting was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, and the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral.

The World Bank officials spent two days on the island of São Miguel. Their visit focused on the theme of "Energy transition and sustainable use of marine resources to promote growth in coastal areas."

The main goal was to become acquainted with the best practices already implemented by the Azorean Government in the areas of sustainability, the blue economy, tourism, and energy transition.

José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the "importance" of this international cooperation, stating that "the Azores are committed to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals, aware of their importance for the economic and social development of the Region."

The head of the Azorean Government also pointed out that this effort contributes to the archipelago's external projection.

“We are fulfilling these goals not only for the benefit of the Azores, but also to raise the Region’s prestige in the context of the major global challenges facing the planet,” he stressed.

In turn, World Bank administrators Miguel Coelho and Zarau Kibwe acknowledged the importance of the initiatives underway in the Azores, expressing the institution's willingness to share knowledge and experiences. Both stressed that the exchange of good practices is an essential tool for strengthening cooperation between different regions of the world.