President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Rio de Janeiro's Mayor Eduardo Paes participated on Wednesday (June 12) at the Copacabana Palace in the opening of the FII Priority Summit, one of the world's largest investment events. This marks the first time Latin America hosts the forum organized by the Future Investment Initiative Institute, a non-profit entity funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which manages $925 billion in investments. In Rio de Janeiro, global leaders, business executives, and some of the most influential investors on the planet are discussing opportunities aimed at sustainable growth for countries. Among the topics discussed are dignity, social inclusion, ecological transition, technology, and innovation.
- "It's not easy to imagine Brazil hosting an event of this magnitude. Therefore, I am proud. The choice of Rio de Janeiro for this event signals the confidence that over a thousand participants place in Brazil. I want you to know that Brazil is determined to be a major country, no longer just a developing one. When it comes to climate and energy issues, for instance, I can assure you that no other country can offer more opportunities for entrepreneurs and more sustainable development projects than Brazil. I want to state unequivocally that we will not miss any opportunity to make this country grow. May this meeting positively determine the investment allocation of the PIF here in Brazil," said President Lula.
- "Your presence here in the Marvelous City marks a significant step. We are promoting international cooperation, strengthening ties between Brazil and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and seeking new partnerships and growth opportunities. As the capital of the G20, we invite you to join our transformation journey driven by innovation and sustainable development. Our infrastructure is undergoing significant expansion. Public park concessions, real estate development in Porto Maravilha (the largest urban transformation project in Latin America), the expansion of our light rail transit system, and state-of-the-art AI data centers are just a few examples of multiple investment opportunities. Our local government and business community are open and ready to build the future together. Enjoy your stay and experience the unique spirit of our Marvelous City, the heart of our Brazil," emphasized Mayor Eduardo Paes.
The theme of this meeting is "Investing in Dignity," aiming to explore investment alternatives in social inclusion, sustainable energy transition, technological advancement, and innovation – crucial themes for constructing a new global order prioritizing dignity for all. With over 150 speakers across 44 sessions for an audience exceeding a thousand guests, the event, concluding on Thursday (June 13), also aims to strengthen relations between Brazil and Saudi Arabia and position the country as a hub for sustainable ideas and initiatives for global investments.
- "Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's greatest cities. We will also have the G20 happening here this year. We started investing in Brazil in 2016, focusing on food security. Now, we are interested in investing in technology, renewable energy, and mining. We also hope to invest in football; we are interested in creating entertainment in sports. Another major challenge the world will face is how to use artificial intelligence to better harness renewable energy. And Brazil is well-positioned to be one of the leading players in this sector," said FII President Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
Key speakers include Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the US; Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Al Saud, President of the Saudi Esports Federation; Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and President of the FII Institute; Mike Pompeo, former US Secretary of State; and former presidents Felipe Calderón of Mexico, Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia, Jorge Quiroga of Bolivia, and Laura Chinchilla of Costa Rica.
- "It is an honor to be with you today in this vibrant city that is Rio de Janeiro. At the FII Institute, we believe that investing in dignity will lead to systems that empower people, promoting equality and sustainable development, ensuring access to quality education and healthcare, and decent work for all," declared FII Institute CEO Richard Attias, welcoming participants.
The choice of Rio
Rio de Janeiro was chosen to host the FII Priority Summit for being the capital of the G20 – the world's major economies group – and also considered by event organizers as one of Latin America's major urban centers, an ecosystem of startups and innovation, the cultural epicenter of South America, and with a global focus on sustainability and climate action. Rio has attracted international companies and investments through public policies aimed at simplifying and enhancing the business environment.
Rio has been working to become Brazil's smartest city and a hub of technology and innovation in Latin America. The municipality has enacted laws, reduced taxes, and developed workforce training projects, making it a perfect environment for the growth of startups and technology companies.
FII: Global Non-Profit Foundation
The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global non-profit foundation driven by data, with an investment arm and a single agenda: impacting global humanity. Through its Priority Encounters, the institute brings together great minds to foster innovation and sustainable solutions worldwide. The events are always held in cities driving trends that will shape the future. Global figures gather in various urban centers to develop concrete strategies addressing urgent issues attracting global attention. Summit agendas encompass current issues on a macro scale.
