Temos e não sabemos (We have it, but we don’t know it) is a series of lectures, curated by Rui Horta, on the opportunities that could shape Portugal’s future.
Held weekly on Saturday afternoons, the series comprises 10 lectures, running from 9 January to 20 March, which take place in Sala Bernardo Sassetti. Modelled on a traditional social gathering, the event begins with coffee and newspapers at 2.30 pm, followed by the lecture itself, which runs throughout the afternoon. It aims to engage participants through forward-looking perspectives, focusing on the future rather than the past – not merely on problems and their solutions, but above all on the countless opportunities within our country’s reach.
The presentations are carefully structured to provide well-founded analyses, highlighting success stories and identifying inspiring initiatives. Furthermore, Temos e não Sabemos invites experts to each edition – the vast majority of whom are young – whilst balancing their irreverence with more experienced guests: leading figures in their respective fields and visionary leaders who bring a fresh and informed perspective to the discussions, aiming to move away from the usual line-up at this type of conference.
The greatest challenge facing our country is its own development and its inability to break free from an endemic system of stagnation, where the disparity between rich and poor is glaring, the middle class continues to decline and poverty persists. And yet, the opportunities are immense. Portugal remains a country without a clear development model, with extremely low productivity and no proposed direction to mobilise society. The country is angry and votes accordingly. Regaining faith is a good antidote to the prophets of doom.
It is urgent that we discuss the future, the kind of society we would like to live in and the model of a country we envisage. We must listen to and learn from those who think outside fixed narratives. And, above all, we must believe again.
The world needs more positive stories (David Byrne)
