DÍLI, 17 July 2026 (TATOLI) – The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) marked its 30th anniversary on Thursday by reaffirming its commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation and closer integration among Portuguese-speaking nations.
In a message commemorating the anniversary, CPLP Executive Secretary Maria de Fátima Jardim said the organization has evolved into an important platform for political dialogue, cooperation and diplomatic coordination since its establishment in 1996.
Founded on July 17, 1996, by Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, and São Tomé and Príncipe, the CPLP was created to strengthen ties among Portuguese-speaking countries. Timor-Leste joined the bloc after restoring its independence, followed later by Equatorial Guinea, expanding the organization’s political and geographic reach.
Jardim said the Portuguese language remains the cornerstone of the community, serving not only as a shared cultural heritage but also as a strategic instrument for science, innovation, diplomacy, economic development and international engagement.
“Portuguese is much more than a common heritage. It is an instrument for science, innovation, diplomacy, economic development and international recognition,” she said.
She said the organization has broadened its engagement with civil society through its Consultative Observers while attracting growing interest from countries and international organizations seeking Associate Observer status.
Jardim said the CPLP continues to promote dialogue, peace and international cooperation while advocating multilateral responses to major global issues, including geopolitical tensions, digital transformation, technological innovation, climate change, energy security, food security and sustainable development.
She also emphasized the importance of empowering young people to shape the future of the Portuguese-speaking community, adding that artificial intelligence and digital transformation should fully embrace the Portuguese language as a platform for knowledge, innovation and creativity.
Reflecting on the bloc’s achievements over the past three decades, Jardim cited advances in political and diplomatic coordination and cooperation across education, healthcare, science, defence, public administration, food security, digital governance and gender equality.
She described the entry into force of the CPLP Mobility Agreement as a major milestone, saying it would facilitate greater movement among citizens of member states and deepen integration across the Lusophone community.
Despite the progress, Jardim acknowledged that significant challenges remain, including economic disparities among member states and political instability in some countries.
“The CPLP will continue to uphold the rule of law, democracy and dialogue as the foundations of stability and prosperity,” she said.
Jardim reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening cooperation among its members, bringing citizens closer together and reinforcing the CPLP’s role as a global advocate for peace, multilateralism and sustainable development.
The CPLP now represents approximately 290 million Portuguese speakers across four continents.
TATOLI
