Rio de Janeiro’s Mayor, Eduardo Paes, and the UK’s Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron, announced on Thursday (22/02) at the Museum of Tomorrow an additional investment of one million pounds (approximately R$ 6.2 million) in the UK's Digital Access Programme to support inclusive, responsible, and sustainable digital transformation in Brazil. With this new investment, the UK government's total contribution to digital inclusion initiatives in the country reaches five million pounds (approximately R$ 31.5 million) over the past four years.
Alongside Cameron, Mayor Eduardo Paes highlighted that Rio is at a crucial moment as Brazil has assumed the G20 presidency, presenting a geopolitical opportunity to showcase the country in the best possible light.
“I looked to the UK for references on the use of technologies, not only to make governments more agile and transparent but also to enhance social participation, which is a challenge for today's governments. Technology provides the possibility for people to participate more in our decision-making processes. However, there are numerous everyday challenges, including environmental issues and reducing inequalities. In today’s world, the most valuable companies are all focused on technology,” said Mayor Eduardo Paes.
The event also saw the launch of the UK-Brazil Partnership in Digital Development, reaffirming the UK's commitment to supporting the use of emerging digital technologies for development in Brazil. Additionally, other actions were announced to expand the UK government's commitment to working with Brazil to strengthen connectivity and cybersecurity and to foster digital entrepreneurship.
In his speech, Cameron emphasized the importance of investing in a more technological future:
“Over the past four years, the UK's Digital Access Programme has proven what we can achieve together. This program has enhanced the digital skills of more than 65 communities. It has also fostered digital entrepreneurship in your vibrant nation. Thanks to this program, many people have created digital businesses, even during the pandemic. It has also helped connect schools across Brazil to the internet. We aim to support a future where digital innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. A future shaped by the strength and vision of our partnership. Where technology generates hope, not pessimism. I hope we can move forward together, into a future where technology serves as a bridge to prosperity for all.”
The key highlights announced were:
- An additional investment of one million pounds in the Digital Access Programme (DAP) for 2024.
- Launch of the UK-Brazil Tech4Climate Hackathon, a tech challenge to combat the climate crisis, involving 100 young people from vulnerable communities in Rio de Janeiro (G20 host city), Belém (host city for the UN Climate Change Conference, COP30), and Bletchley, UK (host city of the AI Safety Summit 2023). These participants will be challenged to create technological solutions to address the climate crisis using Artificial Intelligence and the metaverse.
- Announcement of the Digital Sustainability Programme: Brazil will be one of the UK's partner countries in modeling and developing technological solutions to address major climate crisis challenges. The program will see UK investment in Brazil between 2025-2030.
In addition to the Hackathon, Rio de Janeiro will also receive UK investments in projects aimed at including Black women in technology and a cybersecurity and digital education program in municipal public schools. Other national projects are also being implemented in conjunction with institutions in Rio, such as the “Artificial Intelligence Sandbox,” which is mapping the best practices and British models as references for the Brazilian regulatory framework in artificial intelligence in the public sector.
