New York – 7 May 2015

Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Boa Noite a todos!
[Good Evening to you all!]

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this reception in celebration of the Portuguese language.

Worldwide, Portuguese is spoken by some 250 million people, spread across nine countries and four continents. This day is therefore a day of celebration of the beauty of cultural diversity that exists around the world.

Ten years ago, through resolution 59/21, the General Assembly approved its first ever resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP).

Since then, CPLP has deepened and expanded its partnership and coordination with the United Nations system and worked to promote the Portuguese language in a multitude of areas across the Organization.

It is encouraging to see how Portuguese-speaking countries, including Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste and associate members Turkey, Georgia, Namibia and Japan have formed a strong cooperative partnership to promote the Portuguese language, including in diplomatic and political contexts.

The Portuguese language is becoming increasingly relevant in international affairs, including within some regional and sub-regional organizations, where it is already recognized as an official language.

The lesson that can be drawn from these efforts is that despite differences in culture, language can be a powerful tool to promote peace and security, human rights and development.

In that regard, I thank CPLP for their valuable contributions and wish you a wonderful celebration.

Viva a Lingua Portuguesa e Obrigado!
[Viva the Portuguese language and thank you!]