This is a joyous and unforgettable moment.
All was human richness this late afternoon.
 
With these words, the President of the Republic began his speech during the Closing Session of the 2nd FORUM OF PORTUGUESE-SPEAKING ECONOMISTS, organized by the Lusophone Association of Economics, UCCLA, and the Order of Economists, announcing that he would bestow upon Professor Américo Ramos dos Santos the insignia of the ORDER OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION (Rank of "Grand Officer"), awarded by the Republic.
 
“What Portugal can do at this moment is to Honor you. And to Honor you while remembering your universality,” continued the President, attributing the distinguished insignia “for services rendered to the cause of education and teaching in the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries.”
 
A moment earlier, the President of the Order of Economists, Professor António Mendonça, had announced that the Order had awarded Professor Américo Ramos dos Santos the title of "Eminent Economist," bestowing upon him the respective insignia.
 
The “Praise” of the Honoree was given by the First Lady of Angola, Dra. Ana Dias Lourenço.
 
Recalling his valuable contribution over four decades, particularly in the technical training of staff at the Ministry of Planning, within the context of the transformation of the Angolan economy, she noted that it was the Honoree who designed the first prospective planning instrument in the post-independence period, thus inaugurating a new era in Angola in this domain.
 
In this regard, she highlighted the importance of Professor Américo Ramos dos Santos's legacy as a “transmitter of knowledge.” She emphasized his significance as a “shaper of consciousness”, both through training actions conducted abroad and in Portugal.
 
She also underscored the fact that he introduced the teaching of economics and management of science, technology, and innovation, overseeing dozens of academic theses in the areas of macro and microeconomics, economic policy, industrial economics, knowledge and innovation economics, development economics, and human resources economics.
 
The First Lady of Angola concluded that “much remains to be said about the work and projection of Professor Ramos dos Santos's work. Because it is impossible to translate into a few words the impact he has had on all those who had the privilege, like me, to be in his presence, to interact with him, and to benefit from his knowledge and his affable and supportive personality.”
 
These remarkable distinctions reflect the recognition of a singular journey that has been built over six decades and whose trajectory, partly constructed at CESO, fills us with pride and honor. Throughout his brilliant career, our Chairman has played an essential role in nation-building and economic development, profoundly impacting the lives of citizens in various parts of the world.
 
In his thank-you speech, Professor Américo Ramos dos Santos briefly outlined his professional journey, recalling significant moments from his academic and business career, highlighting some of the personalities who influenced him in academia (ISCEF/ISEG) and in Portuguese-speaking countries, notably in Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Guinea-Bissau.
 
Professor Ramos dos Santos also reflected on some of the challenges that lie ahead. He argued that in the current context of conflict and uncertainty which we are experiencing, it is important to value the strategic importance of the South Atlantic and the contribution of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) in cooperation and peacebuilding. However, he added, it is necessary to "make the CPLP stronger and more cohesive."
 
On the other hand, he emphasized the need for Economic Science to associate with other fields of knowledge, such as Life Sciences, Bio-Economics, Anthropology, Sociology, Behavioral Sciences, Automation, and Artificial Intelligence, “opening new frontiers for economic policies and development and for the teaching of Economic and Business Sciences. Economic Science and its teaching must not forget this, at the risk of becoming a poor and ineffective science, socially and economically. We, researchers, teachers, and professionals, must contribute to prevent this from happening.”
 
In closing the Tribute Session, the President of the Republic highlighted the consistency of the honoree's work in service of social causes, recalling that Professor Ramos dos Santos is among the economists who have always been concerned with the economy serving the people, concluding:
“Our Emeritus takes that root and make this root his entire life. Just as it is: simple. Humble. Humble in the way he has navigated against all odds, against the winds, his academic, personal, and community journey. Humble in how he has addressed all matters assigned to him, always with competence. It is humility; it is the service of social causes. It is a vision that is global, universal, and it is consistency!”
 
The work and leadership of Professor Ramos dos Santos are, for all of us, a legacy of dedication and excellence that inspires us. Congratulations, Professor, on your exemplary journey and all that you represent for the future of many in Portugal and beyond!

Access Professor Américo Ramos dos Santos's communication here.

To watch the Tribute Session video, please access the video of the Event here.

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