Established on May 20, 1985, the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) is a private, financially autonomous Portuguese institution dedicated to fostering Portugal’s development through robust cooperation with the United States.
Its mission centers on serving as a bridge between the two nations, promoting collaboration across science, education, culture, and transatlantic relations.
The 40th anniversary celebrations started on May 20 with the conference “Breathing with the Ocean” at the National Coach Museum in Lisbon. This event featured notable speakers such as Tiago Pitta e Cunha, Peter Heffernan, and Mark J. Spalding, and was attended by dignitaries including the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and the President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro
For the anniversary, FLAD has organized a series of events throughout the year, from May 27 to October 11, to commemorate this milestone. The events highlight FLAD’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Portugal–U.S. relations across various sectors, including culture, education, science, and diplomacy.
Through its initiatives, FLAD continues to strengthen the ties between Portugal and the United States, fostering mutual growth and understanding across various sectors, significantly contributed to Portugal’s development and the strengthening of ties between the two nations.
It has established programs and partnerships, such as Study in Portugal Network (SiPN), a study abroad initiative designed to provide North American students with academic opportunities in Portugal. Established in 2015, SiPN has facilitated the participation of over 1,800 American students in programs across Lisbon’s top universities.
The Luso-American Development Foundation was established on May 20, 1985, through the approval of Decree-Law No. 168/85 by the Portuguese government. Its creation was a direct outcome of the 1983 Cooperation and Defense Agreement between Portugal and the United States, which included provisions for military, economic, and energy support. One significant aspect of this agreement was the continued U.S. presence at the Lajes Air Base in the Azores.
Source: FLAD 40 Years
PAJ/Staff
