José Manuel Bolieiro highlights key role of diaspora in developing and shaping future of the Azores - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening session of the Azorean Diaspora Council, highlighting the key role of Azorean communities around the world in shaping the present and future of the Region.

At a time marked by the recognition of the progress already made, the President highlighted the significance of the creation of this advisory body, recalling “what has been achieved in such a short time with the Azorean Diaspora Council,” whose establishment was unanimously approved by the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

The proceedings of this meeting focused on three key areas: economic relations with the diaspora, the cultural ties sustaining the Azorean identity beyond borders, and the involvement of new generations in promoting Azorean identity.

The head of the Azorean Government emphasised the importance and prestige of the Azorean communities, describing them as “fantastic both in terms of their quality and the recognition they have earned throughout the world.” For the President of the Government, this reality confers on the Azores a unique capacity for global connection.

“We are great in our relations with the world, through our diaspora. And no one has lost touch with their identity,” he said.

The President of the Government also stressed the importance of continuing to nurture this connection, with a particular focus on younger generations, sending a clear message of collective commitment:

“This recognition also brings with it a responsibility: being a captivating bridge between our roots and our shared future.”

José Manuel Bolieiro also addressed the need for a change in mindset, acknowledging that, over time, the Azores have often been perceived as a distant and limited place.

“For a long time, we have been conditioned to regard the Azores as remote and underdeveloped. Today, we are embracing a vision of greatness, potential and confidence,” he declared.

Without overlooking the constraints of remoteness and size, the head of the Azorean Government defended that these factors should be viewed as opportunities for growth rather than as limitations.

“We are great despite our size and our remoteness,” he emphasised.

The President of the Regional Government also announced that the Government is preparing a Strategic Migration Plan for the coming decade, with an integrated approach covering both emigration and immigration, thereby reinforcing the vision of the Azores as an open and global Region.

The session was also marked by the launch of a new issue of the "Açorianidade" magazine, an initiative aimed at deepening reflection on the Azorean identity and boosting its profile both within and beyond the archipelago.

The President of the Government expressed his gratitude to all those who have contributed to keeping this connection alive, thanking them for their “dedication and commitment.”

He emphasised: “Our diaspora is an example of a living identity and a connection to our roots.”

José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the Azores’ geostrategic position in the North Atlantic, advocating that this centrality should be embraced as a distinguishing asset.

“Our geography, so often regarded as a limitation, is nowadays a factor of affirmation and opportunity,” he continued.

The Azorean Diaspora Council brings together representatives of Azorean communities from various regions, providing a space for dialogue, sharing, and building commitments towards the collective future of the Azores.