Lisbon is particularly qualified to this initiative, given its multicultural tradition and its important role on the relationship between Europe and third countries.

Lisbon is a place of gathering cultures and people, from the diverse civilisations that lived and passed through the city. Lisbon, ancient city, where the ancient and the modern coexist, is the city of seven hills.

 

Through the centuries, Lisbon has established itself as a place of tolerance and solidarity. As a city of departures and arrivals, its identity emerged from multicultural genetics, shaping its traditions, its character, aspect and substance.

 

Today, the “great city of many and frantic people” in the era of Discoveries experiences new challenges as it welcomes immigrants from all over the world; returning emigrants with new horizons and renewed experiences; tourists that learn about local realities; students, workers and investors driven by free movement within Europe and by globalisation, who embody here new perspectives and lifestyles.

 

Lisbon is a city open to the word which combines tradition and modernity. This openness not only facilitates economic competiveness, but is also based on strong foundations of dialogue and civilisational responsibility. The mitigation of distances requires reducing inequalities, cooperating for development, reaching out to those in need, overcoming asymmetries, promoting peace and guaranteeing security, sharing the knowledge and sustaining the environmental future of our planet.

 

It is in this Lisbon, a gateway for discovering a big part of today’s world, that a new door is now being opened to think and debate Development issues on a global scale. Economic, human, sustainable, inclusive global Development. Lisbon intends to position itself as the world capital in debating this theme, engaging on new paths and horizons, with the spirit of the discoveries and looking into the future. Dialogue is an indispensable basis for building global consciousness and awareness!