The President of the Regional Government, Vasco Cordeiro, said on Thursday that Azorean youth plays an "absolutely important role" in the way the Azores can be disseminated in the world. In this context, he challenged all youngsters who like the Azores to contribute to this goal, regardless of where they live.

"This is a challenge that is being launched to the Azorean youth and only Azorean youth can win it. It cannot be overcome by the Government or by other generations; only youngsters can win this challenge," stressed Vasco Cordeiro during the speech he delivered at the opening session of the International Azorean Youth Meeting in Praia da Vitória.

The President of the Government stressed that the Azores have a "huge potential" that results from the fact that they are the youngest region in the country. Nevertheless, the government official defended that this fact is not limited to youngsters living in the archipelago. In fact, this potential should encompass "youngsters who like the Azores, regardless of where they live and their ties to the Region."

"If they are available to do so, we will move forward," stressed the President of the Government. Vasco Cordeiro defended the important role played by Azorean youngsters living in the diaspora in disseminating the Region in the world, not only in the defence of traditions and culture, but also in the involvement in the life of host countries.

"The better citizens they are in their country and host community, the better they will contribute to the promotion of Region and the development of their land,” said Vasco Cordeiro. The government official stressed that this aspect requires the promotion of the "integration of emigrant communities in host countries at a political, social and cultural level."

For the President of the Government "this aspect is fundamental" and "it is not contradictory or inconsistent with the defence and promotion of the Azores."

Accordingly, Vasco Cordeiro defended the importance of discovering the best way of mobilising the youngsters who like the Azores to support the Region. The government official considered that this should be one the main topics under debate at the meeting that began Thursday and gathers dozens of Azorean youngsters and of Azorean descent.

"This event should not be limited to the formality of a two or three-day meeting; it should go further. In fact, this meeting should also serve for the construction of a network of contacts with the aim of meeting and mobilising other youngsters who are not attending the event for the accomplishment of this aspiration," stated the President of the Government. By encouraging the organisation of this meeting, the Azorean Government intends to promote the reflection on ways of reconciling Azorean history and traditions with the challenges of the present and future.
 
"I know that the aspirations and interests of older generations in the diaspora are not the same of those shared by younger generations; it is natural to be so. It is a healthy demonstration of change, nonconformity and irreverence. The Government seeks to be aware of these concerns and challenges in order to find the best way of promoting and fulfilling them within its reach," stressed Vasco Cordeiro.