Due to serious health complications, former governor of Pernambuco Joaquim Francisco Cavalcanti passed away this Tuesday (03). At 73 years old, he was hospitalized in Recife, to undergo treatment for pancreatic cancer. 

Joaquim Francisco graduated in Law from the Federal University of Pernambuco and was a State Attorney for Pernambuco. He served two terms as mayor of Recife (1983-1985 and 1988-1990), federal deputy (1987-1988), Minister of the Interior (1989), and governor of Pernambuco (1990-1994). 

ICLEI South America, which has a desk in the state for closer interaction and engagement with members in the region, has included Pernambuco as a member of its network since 2019. The state participated in relevant events on the climate agenda and also in training programs related to Climate Compliance. In that same year, the Government of Pernambuco presented its first Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory.

“"It is with sadness that I receive the news of the death of former minister, former governor, former mayor, and former congressman Joaquim Francisco. As soon as I took office as Mayor of Recife in 2013, I spoke with former mayors and had the opportunity to hear Joaquim Francisco talk about the challenges of leading the capital. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends," declared Geraldo Julio, Secretary of Economic Development of Pernambuco and president of ICLEI South America.

There is no doubt about the contributions made by Cavalcanti's political career, both to the city of Recife and to the state of Pernambuco, and especially to the development of the country.

ICLEI expresses its solidarity with family and friends, wishing them strength and resignation during this time of regrettable loss.