Throughout the day, one of the organizers of the summit, João Maria Botelho, explained to the Lusa Agency, the topics of energy transition, ocean governance, and sustainable finances will be debated in depth.

The Oeiras meeting, he said, will bring together experts in various areas and the debates will be moderated by young people. During the initiative, the members of the Council of Ambassadors for the Future will also be sworn in, an initiative that brings together names such as the former Minister of Agriculture Assunção Cristas, the former Secretary of State for Internationalization Bernardo Ivo Cruz, and the former Secretary of State for Energy Ana Fontoura Gouveia.

Under the motto "Shaping our climate future", the first edition of the 'Portuguese Climate Summit', with free admission, is organized by the 'Generation Resonance' initiative, led by João Maria Botelho, in partnership with the United Nations Association in Portugal and the Oeiras Chamber, with the support of the Oriente Foundation.

The leader of 'Generation Resonance' told Lusa that "in the long term, a sustainable company will have more capacity for survival", highlighting the importance of community legislation, such as the European Ecological Pact, for the environment.

The Oeiras summit will be chaired by Mónica Ferro, director of the London office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

According to a statement from 'Generation Resonance', it aims to "stimulate collective action to face the urgent challenges of climate change", and is mobilized by a group of young leaders "who come together with the mission of strengthening the debate and participation of the young generation in building a sustainable future".

"It is crucial that, as a young generation, we actively engage in the fight for a more sustainable planet and that our voice is heard in the main political decision-making forums", said João Maria Botelho, referring to the fact that last year the organization submitted a project to COP28 aimed at raising awareness of the importance of involving young people in decision-making and that this year will be present at COP29 in Baku.

João Maria Botelho insists on the need for an informed, organized, and interventionist youth, but emphasizes that 'Generation Resonance' has nothing to do with radical climate activists, when questioned about interventions by other young people for the climate, for example, the 'Climáximo' movement.

"We work with other associations, we are with university groups, we try to join forces with other movements", he said, adding that he agrees that it is necessary to "shake the system", because there is much to be done in the circular economy, or for example in waste or in reducing consumption. "There is a lot to be done, but there is no need to be blocking streets", he said.

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