CIVIL DIPLOMACY AND ART UNITE AT CIDADELA DE CASCAIS

Civil Diplomacy: a Solemn Evening of Honour, Humanity and Art

 

Civil Diplomat Jethro International Organisation gathered guests at the Forte da Cidadela de Cascais for a solemn ceremony of art, honour and Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy.

On 28 April 2026, Civil Diplomat Jethro International Organisation gathered distinguished guests at the Forte da Cidadela de Cascais.

The evening brought together Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy, institutional recognition, artistic expression and a profound sense of service.

Coronel José Geraldo, Director of Civil Diplomat Jethro International Organisation in Portugal, hosted the solemn ceremony with dignity and warmth.

Civil Diplomat Helena da Fonseca conducted the proceedings with elegance, clarity and institutional grace.

Moreover, the ceremony welcomed Dr Renato Freire, World President of Jethro International, whose presence honoured the occasion.

The programme included the Martin Luther King Jr. Award, the appointment of new Expansion Directors and the certification of new Humanitarian Civil Diplomats.

Throughout the evening, artist Ramaya Vallias created a live artwork in tribute to Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

His performance gave the ceremony a rare cultural depth. It also placed art at the heart of Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy.

 

Civil Diplomat Jethro International Organisation at Cidadela de Cascais

The Cidadela de Cascais offered a setting of history, prestige and European refinement.

In that symbolic place, Jethro International celebrated leaders who act with courage, compassion and social responsibility.

The organisation highlighted its global mission and its active presence across 162 countries.

Furthermore, reaffirming its commitment to mobilising leaders from different sectors of society.

Through Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy, these leaders promote legitimate action in social, humanitarian and global impact initiatives.

The ceremony also welcomed Civil Diplomat and Expansion Director David Silva.

He shared his journey within Jethro International and presented a video about collective action in Arruda dos Vinhos.

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Award honours lives of service

The Martin Luther King Jr. Award marked one of the most moving moments of the evening.

Jethro International grants this high honour to leaders who embody peace, equity and humanitarian action.

Therefore, the ceremony celebrated concrete lives of service, not distant ideals.

Each honouree carried a distinct story of courage, dignity and contribution to society.

Ramaya Vallias

Ramaya Vallias, artist, collector and passionate advocate of the arts, received the Martin Luther King Jr. Award.

Born in Belo Horizonte on 21 September 1973, he grew up surrounded by paint, canvas and classical music.

That early environment shaped his aesthetic sensitivity and opened a path towards artistic creation.

Ramaya follows the belief that art does not enter the human soul. Instead, art awakens within it.

Inspired by great masters, especially Vincent van Gogh, he builds work that balances emotion and technique.

His art moves between the visible and the sensitive, where colour becomes memory and form becomes feeling.

With continuous artistic formation and more than 25 years as a professional photographer, he masters light and composition.

These elements cross into his painting and give his visual language strength, depth and rhythm.

His work travels between figurative expression and abstract realism.

It explores the delicate frontier between the concrete and the subjective.

By honouring Ramaya Vallias, Jethro International celebrated art as a language of humanity and an expression of the soul.

 

Luís Fernando Vieira

Luís Fernando Salvador Fernandes Lopes Vieira was born on 10 September 1968, in the small locality of Albergaria, in the parish of Marinha Grande, district of Leiria, Portugal.

He grew up in a humble and hardworking family, guided by conservative values and a strong Christian foundation. At only four months old, he moved with his family to Germany, where he absorbed the discipline, rigour and resilience of German culture from an early age.

He returned to Portugal in 1976 and continued his education until completing the 12th year. Throughout his youth, sport played an important role in his development. He practised swimming, skating, athletics, table tennis, judo, football, diving, sport shooting and off-road activities, both for leisure and competition.

At the age of 18, Luís Fernando joined the Portuguese Air Force as a volunteer. After passing the admission tests, he joined the Paratrooper Troops at the Parachute Troops Base in Tancos. There, he embraced the spirit of the Portuguese Green Berets and their historic cry:

“Nunca por vencidos se conheçam!”
“May they never be known as defeated!”

This motto became a symbol of courage, discipline and resilience in his life. These values remained with him, especially after a serious accident and a long period of physical recovery.

With determination, he gradually entered the labour market and built a solid professional career. Over more than four decades, he developed extensive experience in sales, management and entrepreneurship. Today, he manages several businesses in the fields of watchmaking, jewellery, real estate and food retail.

Alongside his professional path, Luís Fernando has always remained connected to civic life, humanitarian causes and environmental concerns. His involvement has included associations and institutions linked to Albergaria, Marinha Grande, Leiria and Coimbra, as well as social support, emergency response, disability inclusion and community development.

He also dedicated part of his life to public service, acting as a local authority representative, political representative and patron of social causes. For him, his family has always been his greatest foundation, commitment and priority.

Between 2012 and 2015, he embraced an entrepreneurial and humanitarian project in Mozambique. This experience strengthened his vision of service, responsibility and solidarity beyond borders.

In April 2026, Luís Fernando was honoured by Jethro International with the Martin Luther King Award. This recognition became another significant milestone in his life, awakening an altruistic commitment that had never truly disappeared.

The humanitarian spirit, environmental awareness and philanthropic character of Jethro International touched him deeply. Above all, he recognised the value of the people who form the institution, because life is, above all, about people.

Therefore, with pride and a profound sense of purpose, Luís Fernando accepted the invitation to become a Civil Diplomat. The encouragement of Dr Marianela Mirpuri, the fraternal guidance of Colonel José Geraldo and the timely invitation of Jethro International’s World President, Dr Renato Freire, made the decision clear.

Inspired by the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Luís Fernando carries forward a message of courage, unity and action: “I have a dream.” May we never be known as defeated. Yes, we can. And together, we shall prevail.

At the request of Mr Luís Fernando Vieira, his biography is also presented in European Portuguese, preserving its close connection to his personal journey, identity and individual expression.

Luís Fernando Salvador Fernandes Lopes Vieira nasceu a 10 de setembro de 1968, na pequena localidade de Albergaria, na freguesia da Marinha Grande, distrito de Leiria, Portugal.

Cresceu no seio de uma família humilde e trabalhadora, pautada por valores conservadores e por uma forte base cristã. Com apenas quatro meses de idade, mudou-se com a família para a Alemanha, onde absorveu, desde cedo, a disciplina, o rigor e a resiliência da cultura alemã.

Regressou a Portugal em 1976 e prosseguiu os seus estudos até ao 12.º ano. Ao longo da sua juventude, o desporto desempenhou um papel importante no seu desenvolvimento. Praticou natação, patinagem, atletismo, ténis de mesa, judo, futebol, mergulho, tiro desportivo e atividades todo-o-terreno, tanto por lazer como em competição.

Aos 18 anos, Luís Fernando ingressou na Força Aérea Portuguesa como voluntário. Após aprovação nos testes de admissão, entrou para as tropas paraquedistas na Base de Tropas Paraquedistas em Tancos. Ali, abraçou o espírito dos Boinas Verdes portugueses e o seu grito histórico:

“Nunca por vencidos se conheçam!”. Este lema tornou-se um símbolo de coragem, disciplina e resiliência na sua vida. Estes valores acompanharam-no, especialmente após um grave acidente e um longo período de recuperação física.

Com determinação, inseriu-se progressivamente no mercado de trabalho e construiu um percurso profissional sólido. Ao longo de mais de quatro décadas, desenvolveu uma vasta experiência em vendas, gestão e empreendedorismo. Hoje em dia, gere vários negócios nas áreas da relojoaria, joalharia, imobiliário e retalho alimentar.

Paralelamente ao seu percurso profissional, Luís Fernando manteve-se sempre ligado à vida cívica, a causas humanitárias e a preocupações ambientais. O seu envolvimento incluiu associações e instituições ligadas a Albergaria, Marinha Grande, Leiria e Coimbra, apoio social, resposta a emergências, inclusão de pessoas com deficiência e desenvolvimento comunitário.

Dedicou também parte da sua vida ao serviço público, atuando como autarca, representante político e patrono de causas sociais. Para ele, a família sempre foi o seu maior pilar, compromisso e prioridade.

Entre 2012 e 2015, abraçou um projeto empreendedor e humanitário em Moçambique. Esta experiência reforçou a sua visão de serviço, responsabilidade e solidariedade além-fronteiras.

Em abril de 2026, Luís Fernando foi homenageado pela Jethro International com o Prémio Martin Luther King. Este reconhecimento mais um marco significativo na sua vida, despertando o compromisso altruísta que nunca tinha verdadeiramente desaparecido.

O espírito humanitário, a consciência ambiental e o caráter filantrópico da Jethro International tocaram-no profundamente. Acima de tudo, reconheceu o valor das pessoas que formam a instituição, porque a vida é, acima de tudo, sobre pessoas.

Assim, com orgulho e um profundoo sentido de propósito, Luís Fernando aceitou o convite para se tornar Diplomata Civil. O incentivo da Dra. Marianela Mirpuri, a orientação fraternal do Coronel José Geraldo e o convite oportuno do Presidente Mundial da Jethro International, Dr. Renato Freire, tornaram a decisão clara.

Inspirado pelo legado de Martin Luther King Jr., Luís Fernando leva por diante uma mensagem de coragem, união e ação: “I have a dream” (Eu tenho um sonho). Que nunca por vencidos se conheçam. Sim, nós conseguimos. E juntos, venceremos!

 

Bianca de Sousa Santos

Dr Bianca de Sousa Santos received the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for her commitment to legal regularisation as a human right.

Her work focuses especially on the vulnerabilities faced by migrants.

Between Ireland and Portugal, she has become an active voice for dignity, justice and inclusion.

In Ireland, she collaborates with programmes directed at undocumented people.

Through this work, she helps facilitate access to health, education and dignified employment.

In Portugal, she has played a relevant role in the use of the Manifestation of Interest process.

Her work helps prevent the exploitation of migrant workers, especially in agriculture and technology.

In a European context marked by anti-immigration discourse, her action brings protection, support and hope.

She defends legal regularisation and challenges unjust situations with courage and clarity.

Consequently, many people recover security, belonging and dignity through pathways that restore their human rights.

Jethro International honoured Dr Bianca Santos for her dedication to vulnerable communities and migrant dignity.

 

Cristiane Brasil Schreiber Vallias

Cristiane Vallias received the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for her sensitivity, faith and service.

She holds a degree in Administration, with postgraduate studies in Psychotheology and specialisation in Marketing.

Her professional path reveals competence, elegance and a strong spirit of service.

She also stands out in financial management, music and digital communication.

Cristiane previously served as Honorary Vice-Consul of Guatemala in Minas Gerais.

Therefore, she maintains close links with consular circles and social causes.

For many years, she has actively joined voluntary actions and humanitarian initiatives.

Her contribution to the Nutri Brasil project deserves special recognition.

This project helps thousands of people facing hunger every week.

Her testimony reveals a life guided by care, solidarity and commitment to human dignity.

By honouring Cristiane Vallias, Jethro International recognised the quiet strength of consistent compassion.

 

Luciana Matosinhos

Luciana Matosinhos received the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for a journey shaped by vision, faith and service.

She is a writer, speaker and mentor.

Her mission brings together spirituality, science and human consciousness.

As Grand Ambassador of the Divine Academy of Arts and Letters in France, she has inspired lives in Brazil and abroad.

She authored the book O Poder do Amor.

She also created the Código Vibracional course and mentorships.

Through these initiatives, she helps thousands of people align mind, body and soul.

In the aviation sector, Luciana founded AeroHauss and transformed dreams into future routes.

During the tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul, she led high-impact aerial humanitarian actions.

Those missions delivered urgent medication to isolated regions.

As Ambassador of the SEASA Project, she contributes to initiatives that feed thousands of people in Brazil and Africa.

With sensitivity, courage and commitment to others, Luciana Matosinhos embodies humanitarian action with wings.

 

Luciana Simões Rezende

Luciana Simões received the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for institutional elegance, service and international responsibility.

She serves as Vice-President of the Consular Corps of Minas Gerais.

She has also served as Honorary Consul of Denmark for more than a decade.

Through her work, she strengthens bridges between peoples and nations.

She stands out for strategic vision, firmness and diplomatic sensibility.

Moreover, she transforms diplomatic relations into lasting human and institutional connections.

Her appointment marked a historic moment.

She became the first woman in more than 70 years to assume the institution’s Vice-Presidency.

With academic formation in Foreign Trade, she combines diplomatic competence with active social engagement.

Her social work includes action against waste and hunger.

Jethro International honoured Luciana Simões Rezende for representation, service and impact.

 

Gabriel Xavier da Barca Júnior

Jethro International also welcomed Gabriel Júnior – O Filho do Povo – to a special moment of recognition.

Gabriel, a Mozambican humanitarian, philanthropist, writer and founder of Grupo Sucesso, carries a path marked by resilience.

His work supports vulnerable communities and takes solidarity beyond borders.

Jethro International had already distinguished him with the Martin Luther King Jr. Award.

However, he had not yet received the corresponding medal.

Therefore, the ceremony at Cidadela de Cascais created a dignified moment for the medal presentation.

 

New Expansion Directors appointed by Jethro International

The ceremony also marked the appointment of new directors.

Jethro International highlighted the role of Expansion Directors in guiding Civil Diplomats within their areas of action.

Coronel José Geraldo led the institutional moment with solemnity.

The newly appointed directors included:

• Elias Santos Coutinho, appointed Expansion Director for Strategic Growth.
• Lucas de Brito Terra, appointed Expansion Director.
• Michelle Palomino Cirilo Diniz, appointed Expansion Director for Female Social Impact.
• Bruno Ferreira Pierallini Gonçalves, appointed Expansion Director for Art and Culture.
• Luciana Rezende, appointed Business and International Relations Director, Expansion.

These appointments strengthened Jethro’s international structure and its mission across different fields of humanitarian action.

New Humanitarian Civil Diplomats certified at Cidadela de Cascais

The certification ceremony formed another central chapter of the evening.

Jethro International reaffirmed that Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy rests on international conventions and legitimate citizen action.

The new Humanitarian Civil Diplomats received their credentials according to the Expansion Directors who conducted each certification.

Certified by Carlos Eduardo Campelo – Expansion Director for International Strategy

• Thiago Kuster Baldan — ID 8948
• Tiago Velleca — ID 8963

Certified by Diego Fonseca – Jethro Travel Expansion Director

• Dário Bruno Rebelo Monteiro — ID 8941
• Eurico Correa — ID 8992
• Leonel Sandrak Lucas Ferreira — ID 8982
• Luiz Guilherme Niero Stelzer — ID 8801
• Willian Farias Boeno — ID 8765
• Leandro Coradini — ID 8792
• Diogo Brasil Xavier — ID 8891

Certified by Elisângela Dias – International Expansion Director

• Bianca de Sousa Santos — ID 8839
• Fabiana de Andrade — ID 8964
• Luciana Simões Rezende — ID 8412
• Maycon Bruno Nascimento da Silva — ID 8818

Certified by Jorge Santos – Expansion Director

• Geisson Bastiani — ID 9017
• Izabel de Paula — ID 8937
• João Victor da Silva Moreira — ID 8980

Certified by Rui Coelho – Expansion Director

• Mário Jorge de Sousa Henriques — ID 9028

Certified by Nayra França – Expansion Director for Legal Compliance

• Moacyr de Souza Santana — ID 8819
• Poliana Rodrigues de Matos Santana — ID 8954

Certified by Michelle Diniz – Expansion Director

• Ana Paula de Oliveira Mendes — ID 9020

Certified by David Silva – Expansion Director

• Andréa Viana Castello Branco — ID 8726
• Bheatriz Georgia Rodrigues Cirne — ID 8877
• Bruno Ferreira Pierallini Gonçalves — ID 8629
• Cristiane Brasil Schreiber Vallias — ID 8522
• Danilo Silva Batista — ID 8997
• Eliane Dias Lustosa Cabral — ID 9024
• Elvina Belmira Augusto Almeida de Azevedo — ID 8955
• Felipe Valente Neves — ID 8798
• Fernanda Coelho de Andrade — ID 8870
• Lucas Zeitune de Souza Félix — ID 8848
• Luciana Matosinhos Ribeiro — ID 8411
• Luis Miguel Ventura Bernardino — ID 8996
• Pamella Faustina Campos — ID 8905
• Paola Duarte Vargas — ID 8957
• Ramiro Azambuja da Silva — ID 8965
• Thiago Félix — ID 4690
• Valdir Paulo de Almeida Staff — ID 8972
• Valeria Solange Matos Beja dos Santos — ID 9025
• Vitor Hugo Herbst — ID 7726
• Duílio Mendes Gonçalves Pedro — ID 8983
• Gabriel Xavier da Barca Junior — ID 8843

Art and Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy

In the present international landscape, marked by wars, instability and deep humanitarian challenges, diplomacy gains renewed relevance as one of the few paths capable of preventing further rupture. More than ever, the world needs bridges, dialogue and courageous voices committed to peace. In this context, Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy assumes a meaningful role, as it brings citizens, institutions and communities closer to solutions that protect dignity, reduce suffering and honour the value of human life.

At the close of the ceremony, Coronel José Geraldo addressed the guests with a message of reflection and purpose.

He emphasised the importance of art within Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy.

He also highlighted how artistic expression gives voice to dignity, memory and human connection.

In a world where diplomacy gains greater relevance each day, art can open spaces that words cannot reach.

Therefore, the live work created by Ramaya Vallias became more than a cultural moment.

It became a symbol of the evening itself.

At Cidadela de Cascais, Civil Diplomacy and art met under the same light.

Together, they honoured service, awakened conscience and celebrated humanity.

Civil Diplomat Jethro International Organisation also extends heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team, whose care, attention, energy and competence shaped every stage of the solemn ceremony. From the planning and organisation of the event to the reception of distinguished guests and the careful preparation of the Civil Diplomats’ credentials, each detail reflected commitment and excellence. Because of you, the event unfolded with grace, harmony and excellence!

Photos by: Lenny Coser