The Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), in partnership with the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), with institutional support from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Brazil, hosted the first Latin American edition of the Hili Forum on July 8 in Rio de Janeiro. The event marks the regional expansion of the Emirates' main platform for international strategic dialogue.

Held at FGV headquarters, the forum brought together government officials, academics, and high-level experts from different sectors in Latin America and the United Arab Emirates. The goal was to promote a space for qualified dialogue and identify opportunities for deepening bilateral cooperation.

The name of the forum refers to Hili, an archaeological site in the Emirates that symbolizes the meeting of civilizations throughout history. Inspired by this legacy, the event seeks to foster the exchange of ideas, interregional collaboration, and the development of joint solutions to global challenges.

With the theme “Emirates-Latin America Relations: Promising Paths,” the program featured more than 25 speakers from 10 countries, addressing topics such as economic integration, green transition, sustainable investments, connectivity, emerging technologies, and access to strategic minerals.

FGV's international director, Professor Marlos Lima, emphasized: “Partnerships like this are fundamental for strengthening international cooperation based on mutual respect and the continuous exchange of knowledge. FGV is proud to host this edition of the Forum and to contribute to the development of collaborative solutions to shared challenges.”

ECSSR Director General Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al-Nuaimi noted that “holding the Hili Forum in Latin America reflects the long-term vision of the United Arab Emirates’ leadership to deepen relations with countries in the region through a comprehensive and sustainable approach.”

AGDA Director-General Dr. Nickolay Mladenov said: “As the international landscape changes, it is essential to invest in partnerships based on respect, knowledge exchange, and practical collaboration.”

The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Brazil, Saleh Al Suwaidi, also reinforced the strategic role of the event: “Today we celebrate not only a moment of reflection, but also a renewal of our ambition to deepen ties between the Emirates and Latin America, charting together a path of lasting partnership and mutual opportunities.”

During the meeting, FGV, ECSSR, AGDA, and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates reiterated their commitment to expanding cooperation with new projects in the areas of applied research, academic training, and the organization of international events.