In a recorded message addressed to the Global Exploration Summit that began on 6 July in Lisbon, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said that the gathering of "extraordinary individuals who challenge the frontiers of knowledge" contributes to "inspire several generations, impelling change in society", making it "more aware, more mobilised" and reconciled "with the nature and urgency of cooperation and global attention in the fight against climate change".

"We understand the importance and urgency of the conservation of everything that surrounds us: the Earth, the oceans, space, and we also realise that we are all connected," the head of state said at the opening of the meeting, which brings together in Lisbon and the Azores explorers from more than 30 countries, as well as in other parts of the world in virtual meetings.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said that the second meeting organised in Portugal by the Explorers Club, an organisation that dates back to 1904, is "essential to show what experts from around the world dedicate their lives to, how they do it and what for over decades, from the depths of the oceans, from the tops of mountains, from space to deserts and tropical forests".

"They break boundaries and take us beyond knowledge, contributing in such a real way to bring us closer to the unknown," said the head of state, stressing that "innovation cutting-edge technology and curiosity are the motto that points the direction of the future of scientific exploration."

The summit will run until the 9th, divided between the Gare Marítima de Alcântara and Teatro Micaelense, in Ponta Delgada, with virtual transmissions of the sessions on the meeting's website, addressing ocean exploration, nature conservation efforts and space exploration, among other topics.