Inauguration Speech

CONTINUING THE DREAM
“For in that sleep of death what dreams may come…”
Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Those who knew him know that Nuno Abecasis continues to dream of new projects.
It is stronger than him.
And it was this inclination—to which we became accustomed—for sharing his dreams, that led us to accept the challenge of continuing his work at the Fundação Cidade de Lisboa.

By carrying on this work, a responsibility is fulfilled.
But a sense of longing is also quelled daily, by turning into reality the ideas we continue to contemplate together.
Together, because the principles remained and the values endure.
The example of looking far ahead and thinking big.
The clarity of purpose and the consistency of the path taken.

Ten years ago, when the Foundation was launched, he summarised the meaning of its mission during the presentation ceremony as follows:
«(…)
– So that Lisbon, beyond being the capital of our beloved Portugal, may also become the capital of all those who love mankind and wish to build Peace and happiness for them.»

– So that peoples, beginning with our own, may join hands to achieve growth and the sharing of goods that belong to everyone.

– So that future generations may live in Peace and provide the World with that additional measure of humanity it so dearly lacks to rediscover its fundamental balance.

– So that the community of Lusophone peoples—the only one unified by both language and sentiment—may develop, grow, and consolidate, thereby having a voice in the construction of Humanity’s future.
(…)

These past 10 years are the path towards that destiny.

And it is in that direction that we shall continue to journey.

The portrait of a great and good Man has recently been painted by many.

History will say the rest, reserving for him the place of those who, refusing to settle, always fought with faith and strength to improve the World around them.

I have lost, above all else, a great Friend.

But that is something that cannot be shared.

JOÃO CORRÊA NUNES