Strategic partnership: FGV welcomes German city mayor to its Rio headquarters
Meeting marks progress in academic and institutional relations between Brazil and Germany
On April 28, FGV hosted distinguished guests in Rio de Janeiro for a reception on the occasion of the visit of Mrs. Henriette Reker, mayor of the city of Cologne (Stadt Köln), Germany, to Brazil.
Mayor Henriette Reker reaffirmed Cologne's commitment to building bridges beyond borders, reflecting the shared values of partnership and collaboration. President Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal highlighted the long-standing and significant relationship between the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Cologne, sister cities since 2011. He emphasized the fruitful partnership between Cologne and FGV, based on common principles of innovation, education, and global engagement. Cologne has been home to the FGV's European office - FGV Europe - since 2016. The city of Cologne was chosen as an ideal base for the venture due to its strategic geographical location at the heart of Europe and the historically established partnerships with key public sector, nonprofit, and local private sector institutions.
This meeting served as a platform for dialogue on potential collaborations in joint research, academic exchanges, and cultural initiatives, with the aim of strengthening ties between Cologne, Germany, and Brazil, promoting global partnerships, and expanding international cooperation opportunities.
In addition to the team from FGV Europe, participants included Jan Freigang, Consul General of Germany in Brazil; Massimiliano Iacchini, Consul General of Italy in Brazil; Maximilian Hedrich, Director of the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation in Brazil; Thomas Timm, President of the Brazil-Germany Socio-Cultural Institute; Hanno Erwes, Executive Director at the Brazil-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Rio); Ricardo Saavedra, Co-Founder and Director, Brazil Business Center Cologne (BBCC); Amadeus van Lier, Foreign Investment Advisor, Financial and Professional Services, and Züleyha Kurt, Foreign Investment Advisor for the Industry, from CologneBusiness – Economic Development; Albert Kock, Partner, KL Public Affairs GmbH; Directors from various FGV schools: FGV Rio Law, FGV ECMI, FGV Transport, FGV CERI, FGV Applied Research; Members of the FGV's Board of Directors and Board of Trustees.
Additionally, thanks to the partnership with the city of Cologne and the Brazil Business Center Cologne, FGV Europe participated in the WebSummit from April 28 to 30 in Rio de Janeiro, where it showcased its work in Europe and Brazil, connecting with numerous innovators, entrepreneurs, and change agents shaping the future of technology and sustainable societal development.
As part of the agenda with the Cologne city hall, on April 24, FGV Europe participated in meetings in Santa Catarina, aiming to explore strategic partnerships focused on innovation, internationalization, and promotion of investments between the State of Santa Catarina and the city of Cologne in the areas of low-carbon hydrogen and energy transition.
These meetings underscore the essential role of dialogue and collaboration in strengthening global connections and international collaborations.
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