Congratulations, FLAD! 40 Years Building Bridges Across the Atlantic
We enthusiastically celebrate the 40th anniversary of FLAD – Luso-American Development Foundation, marking four decades of true commitment to strengthening ties between Portugal and the United States.
Under the theme “40 Years of Commitment: A Bridge Across the Ocean,” this celebration honors FLAD’s lasting impact in key areas such as science, technology, education, culture, economic development, and the promotion of dialogue on shared priorities including the oceans, the diaspora, and security.
The anniversary program kicks off on May 20 with the conference “Breathing with the Ocean”, travels through the Azores, and culminates in New York on October 11 with the performance “Amália na América – Beyond Fado”, marking the debut of the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra at the iconic Carnegie Hall.
Our congratulations go to President Nuno Morais Sarmento, Nuno Pinheiro Torres, Michael Baum, and the entire FLAD team, who continue to bring this mission to life with clarity and vision.
AmCham is proud to maintain a long-standing and solid partnership with FLAD, united by a shared commitment to advancing Luso-American relations.
“Today’s FLAD is an institution with open doors – open to the world, to new generations, to talent, to debate, and to the future.” — Nuno Morais Sarmento
See the full anniversary program HERE.
40 Years of Commitment: A Bridge Across the Ocean
On May 20, 1985, the first foundation created through an agreement between two nations was born.
With a mission to deepen the historic alliance between Portugal and the United States, FLAD has brought that commitment to life over four dynamic decades, grounded in 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, civic engagement, and sustainable development.
The only border shared by Portugal and the United States 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 countries, is not just a physical reality, but also a symbolic space of convergence and exchange. In 2025, we celebrate 40 years of this common vision, reaffirming the bonds that unite us and building a shared future.