UPF International—His Excellency Evaristo Carvalho, the former president of São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, died at the age of 80 on May 18, 2022. He served as the fourth president from 2016 to 2021 and two terms as prime minister (1994 and 2001-2002). Internationally respected, he was known for his steadfast commitment to peace and democratic values.
A friend and sincere supporter of UPF and its principles of peace and reconciliation, Evaristo Carvalho participated in a number of UPF programs, including the Africa Summit 2019 held in São Tomé, September 3-5, 2019. He welcomed UPF Co-Founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, to the Presidential Palace and the esteemed conference delegates from nearly 30 African countries to the National Assembly, where he shared his views on the conference theme, “Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universally Shared Values.”
The following year on September 27, 2020, President Carvalho addressed UPF’s 2nd Rally of Hope held in Seoul, Korea. In the midst of the global pandemic, he recognized “the numerous initiatives of UPF, in the person of the venerable Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, ardent defender of harmony among all people and tireless fighter for peace, justice and the well-being of humanity, particularly on the continent of Africa.”
Thanking Dr. Moon, who proclaimed the new age of “Heavenly Africa” as a continent of hope, he shared his vision and plan for the post-COVID world. “The greatest resource needed to rebuild the world is human capital—whatever the type of plan for the reconstruction of national and world economies, whatever renewal and development that must be prepared for a glimpse of the economic and vital sectors of society—a new human conscience oriented towards the love of one’s neighbor, respect for human dignity, the right to be different, active human solidarity, and living life for the good of others is needed,” he stated.
Many heads of state and leaders from around the world have joined in praising the respected statesman including UN Secretary-General António Guterres who expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and all the people of São Tomé and Príncipe.
UPF Chairman Thomas Walsh expressed his sympathy and acknowledged President Carvalho’s intellect and political acumen. In particular, he highlighted with appreciation the state welcome of the Africa Summit 2019 given by the president and for recognizing the works and mission of UPF and its founder. “Truly, this was an honorable man who served his nation, the region and the world,” he said.