Within the framework of the Mindelo Commitment, the closing event of Cabo Verde Ocean Week 2025, Island Innovation and the Carlos Albertino Veiga Foundation (FCAV) launched a new strategic partnership to strengthen cooperation in the areas of ocean sustainability, communication and youth empowerment.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) took place at the Mindelo Cruise Port, symbolizing Cape Verde's growing role as a hub for innovation and international cooperation in the ocean sector. This agreement represents a concrete step in transforming the commitments made during the week into lasting actions, linking Cape Verde's ocean vision to global networks of sustainable islands.

Under this new partnership, Island Innovation and FCAV will work together to strengthen the capabilities of young Cape Verdeans, promoting ocean literacy and youth leadership through joint initiatives that connect future ocean leaders from Cape Verde with their peers in the Caribbean, the Pacific, and other island regions of the world.

Based on Island Innovation's international experience and FCAV's national leadership, the partnership will co-create training and mentoring programs focused on ocean leadership and blue economy innovation, tailored to the realities and priorities of the islands.

This initiative directly contributes to Cape Verde's vision for sustainable ocean governance, reinforcing the country's role as a bridge between continents and as an example of cooperation between island nations.