FINEP is one of 25 partner institutions of the new Word Center for Sustainable Development, launched by the Minister of Environment, Izabella Teixeira, during Rio+20. Considered one of the principal legacies of the conference, the Rio+ Center is the result of a collective effort to launch a reference institution in this area in Brazil. The goal is to create an international forum for discussion, to facilitate research and to encourage the exchange of knowledge. Headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, the new unit will initially operate in a building donated by COPPE-UFRJ atIlha do Fundão.

The initiative came from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and other UN agencies, with funding of up to US$ 5 million. According to the official document released at the launch of the project, Brazil – and in particular the City of Rio de Janeiro – enjoys a privileged position in relation to sustainable development. The document says that: “With significant advances (…), Rio is seen as a leader in addressing the challenges of large cities in the economic, social and environmental areas.”

FINEP take part in the Advisory Board of the Rio+ Center, which will include government agencies, NGOs, academic entities and businesses, both domestic and international. Two possible lines of operation of the unit are supporting research in technological innovation and partnerships with universities. According to the FINEP analyst, Cristina Valente, partnership between the Financier and the new center can result in new sustainable projects.