Africa-Press – Cape verde. The President of the Republic (PR) today called for the training of “bold, innovative and committed” leaders, capable of responding effectively to the complexity of today’s world and the specific challenges of Cape Verde, during the closing ceremony of the 3rd Edition of the Leadership Summit Cape Verde, held in Praia.
When highlighting the choice of the theme “Strategic Leadership, Trust, Connection and Transformation”, José Maria Neves considered it to be “a question of capital importance, in the current times”, and emphasized that “leaderships have to adapt to the level of complexity of the current world and the transformational processes underway”.
In his closing speech, the President raised reflections on global and national challenges, and warned of the need for leaders capable of reading scenarios, anticipating trends and making decisions adjusted to the transformations underway.
“We live in a disruptive, chaotic and unprecedented world. A complex and unpredictable world, where trust in leaders and institutions has been suffering unprecedented erosions,” he said, considering that international consensus is in crisis and that “extremism and populism are on the loose, presenting simplistic, toxic and radical proposals for very complex problems.”
Referring specifically to the national reality, PR argued that Cape Verde needs leaders with “cognitive, analytical, creative and innovative capabilities”, capable of promoting territorial cohesion and ensuring sustainable and inclusive development.
“In an archipelagic nation such as ours, where the geographical distance between islands translates not only into high infrastructure and logistical costs, but also into cultural, economic and social differences, leaders play a key role in promoting cohesion, inclusion and innovation.”
In this regard, the Head of State regretted the persistence of regional inequalities, highlighting that “with regard to physical connection, which is fundamental for an archipelago country, unfortunately we have failed to deliver what would be necessary to connect the islands and promote further development, especially in the so-called peripheries”.
Paraná also highlighted the urgency of investing in digital transformation and technological literacy as pillars of community emancipation. In his view, it is essential to build inclusive digital ecosystems, with local content and tools that foster entrepreneurship and access to the digital economy.
“Although the use of the Internet and digital platforms has grown significantly, there is still a gap that excludes a considerable portion of the population, especially in more remote areas. (…) this means investing not only in broadband infrastructure and training centers, but also in the creation of local content, both in Cape Verdean and Portuguese, that makes sense for our reality.”
José Maria Neves drew attention to the high rates of youth unemployment, emigration and the mismatch between academic training and the needs of the job market.
“The massive exodus of young people from the country requires studies on its impact on the job market, on the competitiveness of companies and the national economy, as well as on academia and society in general.”
The president reiterated the importance of good governance and transparency, highlighting that “the formation of an open government, based on accountability and citizen participation, is essential to strengthen the social pact”.
The 3rd edition of the Leadership Summit Cabo Verde, promoted by StartUp Portugal in partnership with national entities, brought together, for two days, several national and international experts, under the motto “Creating leaders with purpose”.
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