The President of the Government stated that the Regional Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion, presented today, is a long-term commitment to creating the necessary structural conditions for the Azores to tackle this phenomenon.
 
"The challenge that I launch to all those who are here and to those who, through you, may be mobilised towards this goal is to join the fight against this scourge," stressed Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government spoke during the presentation and launch of the public discussion of the proposed Regional Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion 2018-2028 (ERCPES) that took place at Roberto Ivens Basic Education School in Ponta Delgada.
 
In his speech, the President of the Government pointed out that this public consultation process, which runs until January 31, is a challenge for all those who wish to express their view on the document now presented so that "it may become the strategy of the Region instead of just being the strategy of the Government."
 
Vasco Cordeiro was accompanied by the Vice-President of the Government, the Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity, the Regional Secretary for Education and Culture, the Regional Secretary for Health and the Regional Assistant Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs who oversees the area of youth. On the occasion, the President of the Government underlined that the Government takes on the responsibility of providing the stimulus and encouraging the Azores to overcome this challenge.
 
After concluding this process, the aim is to achieve a strategy that may be adopted and assumed by all public and private entities as well as by "all those who will seize the historic opportunity of developing a truly structural and challenging approach to an important matter for our future, as a People and as a Region," said the government official.
 
According to him, one of the Government's motivations in moving forward with this process has to do with the decision to "leave no one behind" at a moment when the signs of economic and social recovery signs are being consolidated in the Region. This is evidenced by the economic growth, sharp reduction in the unemployment rate and the economy's ability to create more jobs.
 
"I believe that all Azoreans have the capacity to be part of the construction of our collective future. In this context, I also take responsibility as President of the Government and I engage the whole Government in this responsibility of creating the conditions that will allow all citizens to fulfil themselves while helping to build our collective future," said the government official.
 
After noting that ERCPES is not intended to be a compilation of social support or a sum of measures, the President of the Government emphasised the transverse nature of the strategy presented regarding the involvement of various departments. He also emphasised that its presentation at a school symbolises the importance of education in achieving these goals.
 
"This is neither a document nor a process that will be solved in two or three years. The issue lies in the size and complexity of the challenge we face," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
ERCPES 2018-2028 is based on four strategic priorities: ensure that all children and young people have a comprehensive and inclusive development process, reinforce social cohesion in the Region, promote a territorial-based approach and ensure adequate knowledge on the phenomenon of poverty in the Region.
 
This Strategy is available for public consultation at http://www.azores.gov.pt/Portal/pt/principal/homepage.htm.
 
As for the governance model, ERCPES, in addition to the Strategic Council, includes the creation of a Scientific Committee. This body will be responsible for providing scientific monitoring and advice on the actions to be implemented.